Gauteng warned to prepare for severe thunderstorms, hail



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Meteorologists say widespread torrential rains have already occurred in parts of Heidelberg and Vereeniging, with sustained rain expected to reach central Johannesburg in the next few hours.

FILE IMAGE: Winnie Theletsane / EWN.

JOHANNESBURG – The South African Meteorological Service is warning of flash floods in parts of Gauteng, with heavy rains forecast for Friday afternoon and throughout the weekend.

The meteorological service has issued a warning alert of possible localized flooding, high winds and hail.

Meteorologists say torrential rains have already spread to parts of Heidelberg and Vereeniging, with sustained rain expected to reach downtown Joburg in the next few hours.

“We expect severe thunderstorms in the southern part of Gauteng and they could continue later tonight,” said forecaster Jan Vermeulen.

“Right now there is a storm southwest of Heidelberg moving to the east.

“We are monitoring the situation so there is the possibility of heavy downpours in places that could cause some flash floods. There is also the possibility of large amounts of small hail ”.

Meanwhile, the roof of a file station in Sharpeville collapsed, damaging several vehicles.

It is understood that the canopy of the Global gas station collapsed earlier due to the strong winds and heavy downpours that hit parts of the province.

As a result, a minibus taxi, a light motor vehicle and a bus were trapped, with images on social media showing the vehicles pinned between the damaged roof.

Only one of the drivers suffered minor injuries.

Inclement weather advisories have also been issued for the Northwest, Free State and Mpumalanga.

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