MORE thunderstorms? Yellow weather warnings for three provinces

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow weather warning for severe thunderstorms expected on Saturday over the eastern provinces.

WHICH PROVINCES ARE AFFECTED?

The affected provinces include parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North KwaZulu-Natal.

SAWS warned that strong to harmful winds, hail (large hailstones), heavy downpours, which can lead to localized flooding.

It added that local fire events could occur due to lightning strikes.

Motorists have been warned to take special care as the roads are likely to be slippery and wet.

ALSO READ: Parts of South Africa hit by severe hail [PHOTOS]

HOW TO UNDERSTAND A WEATHER WARNING:

Warning levels are color-coded using the robot system (yellow, orange and red). These colors depend on the combination of the expected impacts and the likelihood of those impacts occurring.

Impact-based warnings are issued for the following hazards:

• Annoying rains
• Heavy thunderstorms (heavy downpours / large hail / large amounts of small hail / damaging winds)
• Harmful wind
• Disruptive snowfall
• Reduced visibility
• Damaging waves
• Storm surges

“The main goal of the effects-based severe weather warning system is to better understand weather-related warnings so that they can reach more South Africans and the necessary measures can be taken in good time to mitigate possible effects. These warnings are aimed at every South African, â€said the SAWS.

Five tips to protect you, your family and your belongings from lightning strikes:

1. Do not protect yourself under trees, near water, on plateaus or in open fields.
2. The first rule of safety is to get back inside if lightning strikes. It’s also important to note that lightning often occurs around the edges of a storm cloud. So this doesn’t mean it’s safe just because it hasn’t started raining yet.
3. A car is a safe haven. When lightning strikes the car directly, it will be transmitted into the ground through the car’s metal frame. Avoid leaning against car doors during a storm as the current flows through the frame.
4. Lightning can damage electronics, phones, and other systems in your home that are plugged into an electrical outlet – unplug them when you hear the first clap of thunder.
5. Don’t forget to bring your pets. Dog houses and other animal shelters are not suitable for protection against lightning strikes.

ALSO READ: Warning: Expect More Severe Thunderstorms with Hail, High Wind, and Excessive Lighting