Level 5 Warning Issued: Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Central South Africa
- Karen Scheepers
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a high-priority Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms, effective today, Friday, March 6, 2026. The alert, which was officially processed at 09:24 SAST, remains valid from 11:00 until 23:59 tonight. Meteorologists indicate that conditions are highly favorable for the development of intense storm cells characterized by heavy downpours, strong winds, and the potential for hail.
According to the official impact-based warning, the primary risk involves significant flooding of roads, low-lying areas, and informal settlements. The weather system is expected to impact a vast corridor of the country, specifically targeting most parts of the North West province and the central and eastern regions of the Free State.
Geographic Scope and Affected Municipalities
The warning covers an extensive list of District and Local Municipalities (DM/LM) and Metro areas. Residents in the following locations are urged to remain vigilant:
North West: City of Matlosana, JB Marks (Potchefstroom/Ventersdorp), Ditsobotla, Kgetlengrivier, Lekwa-Teemane, Mahikeng, Mamusa, Maquassi Hills, Ratlou, Ramotshere Moiloa, and Tswaing.
Free State: Mangaung Metro, Dihlabeng, Mafube, Maluti a Phofung, Mantsopa, Masilonyana, Matjhabeng, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka, Nala, Ngwathe, Nketoana, Phumelela, Setsoto, and Tswelopele.
Anticipated Impacts and Safety Instructions
The SAWS has categorized the "Likelihood" of these events as Medium but the "Impact" as Significant, resulting in the Level 5 designation.
Expected consequences include:
Infrastructure Damage: Potential loss or damage to vehicles, settlements, and essential municipal services.
Agricultural Risk: Significant disruption to agricultural activities and potential loss of livestock.
Transport Disruptions: Closure of bridges and hazardous driving conditions due to flooding and debris.
Official Safety Instructions: Authorities advise the public to stay indoors and away from metal objects. Outdoor activities such as fishing or golf should be avoided, as equipment can act as electrical conductors during lightning strikes. Residents are also encouraged to use the WeatherSmart APP to track storm movements and monitor official updates on the SAWS website.
As the tropical temperate trough intensifies over the interior, disaster management teams remain on high alert to respond to emergencies. Residents in low-lying areas are specifically cautioned to monitor rising water levels throughout the evening.
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