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By IOL Reporter 
3h ago
Johannesburg – A man in his 30s was killed on a farm in Elandsfontein, near Alberton, and a woman died in Melville, Johannesburg, after they were both struck by lightning on Monday afternoon.
Flash flooding on the M1 North and South also caused traffic disruption at peak hours after Gauteng was hit by thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Commenting on the man who had died in Elandsfontein, ER24 spokesman Russel Meiring said: “ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene at 4:55 pm and found the man motionless in the field, surrounded by colleagues.
⛈Floods in parts of Johannesburg this afternoon (05 Oct 2020). Source: Gauteng Weather FB. Drive safely. pic.twitter.com/fjwXsLQjRJ
– Meteorological Service of SA (@SAWeatherServic) October 5, 2020
“Doctors evaluated the man and found that nothing could be done for him, so he was pronounced dead.”
According to Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokeswoman Nana Radebe, the woman was struck by lightning at the corner of Main and 2nd Avenue in Melville. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) had urged drivers to exercise more caution on the roads, as flash floods affected parts of the city.
JMPD spokesman Wayne Minnaar said agents had been dispatched to various areas to try to maintain order, as heavy traffic compounded weather-related problems.
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in Gauteng until Monday night and also warned of possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas, hail, and reduced visibility on roads.
A SAWS report further warned that excessive lightning can result in power surges and instructed residents to seek shelter indoors away from metal structures during the storm.
There were also reports of downed trees in Florida and Roodepoort.
MESS
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