Drought, now flash floods to hit Joburg
Joburg roads are set to be awashed as commuters have been warned on taking safety measures ahead of the heavy rainfall.
|||Johanessburg - Downpours are expected to persist over the next few days and motorists have been warned to be wary of flash floods.
SA Weather Service forecaster Christina Thaele warned commuters to avoid using bridges in low-lying areas that cross rivers and streams.
There have already been incidents reported, including on the N12 near Benoni, with a section of the highway closed off on Wednesday due to flash floods, said Ekurhuleni metro police department spokesman Kobeli Mokheseng on Thursday. He said the road had since been reopened.
Thaele added that a “good amount of rain” was also expected in the Northern Cape, parts of the Free State and North West.
With the rainfall, flash floods pose particular danger to pedestrians and motorists when roads become water-logged.
On its website, the Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) explained that flash floods could occur within minutes or hours of excessive rainfall.
“This may be caused by a blocked stormwater drain or a dam failure or a severe and heavy rainstorm,” the agency said.
The JRA warned motorists to refrain from driving through flood waters, which could be strong enough to wash away a car. Those who are outdoors when a flash flood occurs are advised to get to higher ground and to stay away from ditches or dry river beds.
If a vehicle stalls in water, leave it immediately. People should also never attempt to run across flooding water when the water is higher than their ankles.
karishma.dipa@inl.co.za
The Star