Heavy rain, severe thunderstorms cause flooding in Parys

Severe flooding has engulfed Parys, located in the Free State province, following a heavy downpour and intense thunderstorms. Several homes have reportedly been submerged, while trees have been uprooted by the powerful winds. The Weather Service had issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, warning of possible localized flooding, property damage, and disruptions to electricity and communication services.

Residents reported that the storm arrived suddenly, causing significant damage within a short period of time. One resident described the intense storm as one of the worst they had witnessed in years, stating that the heavy rain and strong winds were unlike anything they had experienced in the last decade. The forecast for today and tomorrow predicts partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions, with isolated to scattered thunderstorms possible over eastern parts of the country, and widespread thunderstorms expected over KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Businesses in Parys have suffered considerable losses, with one business owner reporting that 128 millimetres of rain fell in just one hour, leading to water flooding through his premises and destroying agricultural equipment and bales of oats.