GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The South African Weather Service issued an orange Level 6 warning for the Knysna and Bitou municipal areas, in anticipation of severe thunderstorms that could result in "heavy downpours, strong damaging winds and flash flooding" on Sunday 5 March.
The warning encompasses the entirety of the Garden Route as well as the Overberg region.
"Heavy downpours with rainfall accumulation of 70-100mm, strong and gusty winds (50-60km/h, gusting 70-80km/h), excessive lightning and large amount of small hail (1-2cm in diameter) can be expected," the warning reads.
This weather could have the following impacts:
- Flash flooding of roads and susceptible settlements as well as danger to life in crossing of fast-flowing streams
- Large amounts of small hail/large hail can cause damage to vehicles and difficult driving conditions, especially where heavy downpours are present
- These conditions can lead to major travel disruptions and can be aggravated by possible falling trees blocking major roads
- Loss of agricultural crops is also likely together with disruption to essential services.
The SAWS instructs the public to stay indoors and away from metal objects. "Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf, as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms," says the warning.
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