South Africans urged to regularly follow weather updates

South Africans are urged to be cautious of adverse weather conditions as announced by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), especially in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and Kwazulu-Natal. Members of the public are advised to take precautions where there is a drop in temperatures by taking the following safety tips into account:

• Dress warmly when going outside, and in cases of extremely cold weather, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.
• Avoid crossing rivers, as heavy rainfall contributes to smaller rivers and low-lying areas filling up quickly, leaving dangerous conditions across parts of the affected area.
• If caught in a heavy storm, find shelter; however, avoid being near or under trees and high-rising objects that might be struck by lightning. 
• Avoid driving during heavy downpours and/or misty conditions, as visibility gets very limited and may affect ability to see other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. 
• When driving during heavy rains or storms, keep a longer than normal following distance and ensure that driving speed is reduced. 
• Drive a roadworthy vehicle and ensure that the brakes, wipers and other parts of the vehicle are properly checked before leaving. 
• Only trust weather warnings from verified sources such the SAWS and various other government platforms.
• Do not distribute or forward unverified warnings that might be circulating on social media channels, as they may cause unnecessary panic and further harm. 
• The SAWS provides regular updates via mainstream and social media (“X” and Facebook). More information can be accessed on their website: https://www.weathersa.co.za/.

Enquiries: Ms Nomonde Mnukwa
Acting Government Spokesperson 
Cell: 083 653 7485