Johannesburg on High Alert as Cold Front and Severe Storms Threaten Gauteng

Key facts

• Johannesburg Emergency Services are on high alert throughout the long weekend.
• Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas, particularly informal settlements, are urged to stay away from rivers and streams.
• Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges.
• EMS Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi warned against leaving heating devices unattended to prevent fires.
• SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela forecast a 30% chance of showers along the southwest coast and nearby interior.
• Cool temperatures are expected over central parts of the country, while warm temperatures are forecast for Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and parts of the Western Cape.
• Residents are encouraged to call the EMS command and control center at 011-375-5911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• The South African Weather Service has forecast cooler temperatures with showers and thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday.

City Braces for a Wet Long Weekend

Johannesburg Emergency Services are on stand-by this long weekend as a cold front and wet weather settle over the city, bringing the threat of flooding and fire hazards. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas, especially informal settlements, have been urged to stay away from rivers and streams and to keep a close watch on children. Motorists are advised to drive with caution, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges.

EMS on High Alert for Water-Related and Fire Emergencies

EMS Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the service is on high alert throughout the long weekend to ensure it can respond to any water-related or fire emergencies that may occur. “We are on high alert throughout this long weekend to ensure that we can be able to respond to any water-related or fire emergencies which might occur throughout this long weekend,” Mulaudzi said. He urged residents to call the emergency management services command and control center at 011-375-5911 for any life-threatening emergencies.

Heating Devices Pose Fire Risk in Cold Weather

Mulaudzi also warned residents to use heating devices carefully and never leave them unattended to prevent fires. “It will be extremely cold throughout this weekend in most parts of the city, so as and when we are using heating devices like heaters, paraffin stoves, let's not leave them unattended so that we can be able to prevent fire incidents which might occur over this long weekend,” he said.

Weather Service Forecasts Showers and Thunderstorms

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast cooler temperatures, along with showers and thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday. SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said there is a thirty percent chance of showers along the southwest coast and nearby interior, with conditions expected to improve. “Warm temperatures are expected over the low veld of Mpumalanga into Limpopo, as well as parts of the central and the Western parts of the Western Cape province. Otherwise, cool temperatures are expected, especially for the central parts of the country,” Thobela said.

Motorists Urged to Exercise Extra Vigilance

Mulaudzi has cautioned motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads, extending the safe following distance and avoiding crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges. “Extend the safe following distance and try and avoid crossing roads and flooded low-lying bridges,” he said.

Public Urged to Report Life-Threatening Emergencies

Residents are encouraged to call the EMS command and control center at 011-375-5911 for any life-threatening emergencies. Mulaudzi emphasized that the service is ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise during the long weekend.

The bottom line

• Johannesburg Emergency Services are on high alert for the long weekend due to cold and wet weather.
• Residents in low-lying and informal settlements must avoid rivers and streams and watch children closely.
• Motorists should drive cautiously, keep safe distances, and avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges.
• Heating devices like heaters and paraffin stoves must not be left unattended to prevent fires.
• SAWS forecasts a 30% chance of showers along the southwest coast and cooler temperatures across central parts.
• For life-threatening emergencies, call the EMS command center at 011-375-5911.