El Niño strikes Gauteng: Johannesburg on high alert as severe storms, hail and flooding threat looms
El Niño is back, and Gauteng experienced a dangerous Sunday afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms struck Johannesburg, prompting emergency services in Gauteng to place all seven regions on high alert. Residents were warned to avoid floodwaters, swollen rivers, and hazardous road conditions. El Niño's return coincided with days of persistent rain and hot temperatures, creating the perfect storm for severe weather, including destructive winds, large hail, and intense lightning.
Despite the warnings, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services reported no major incidents. Motorists were advised to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances, and avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges. Low-lying residents were cautioned to steer clear of rivers and streams. Faith-based groups were urged to avoid conducting baptism or cleansing rituals in such locations to prevent drowning incidents.
The City's Emergency Management Services Rescuers, alongside the Aquatic Rescue Unit, remained on high alert, monitoring all seven regions for potential emergencies. Residents were instructed to call the Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre at 011 375 5911 for any life-threatening situations. The rest of South Africa faced a mix of fire danger, extreme heat, and scattered rain, with authorities warning of heightened fire risks in the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
Gauteng itself would experience partly cloudy skies, isolated showers, and thunderstorms in certain areas.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
