South African Weather Service (SAWS) has urged the public to take weather warnings seriously as persistent rainfall is expected to continue over the festive season and into the new year.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said several provinces are likely to experience ongoing rainfall, with the eastern parts of the country most affected. These include KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State and parts of the North West provinces.

Thobela noted that multiple weather warnings have been issued, particularly for severe thunderstorms in northern Gauteng and south-western Mpumalanga. A yellow level warning has been declared, indicating a low likelihood but potentially significant impact.

The expected weather conditions include heavy downpours that could lead to localised flooding, strong and damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning in affected areas.

SAWS has advised residents to remain alert, monitor official weather updates, and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of injury or damage during severe weather events.

–ChannelAfrica–