By Mapaballo Borotho

- South Africans have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel as severe weather threatens large parts of the country.
- Johannesburg is expected to experience thunderstorms and heavy rain around the time the Springboks face the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
- Disaster teams, emergency services and traffic officials remain on high alert as several provinces brace for heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging winds.
South Africans have been urged to remain vigilant, stay at home where possible, and avoid unnecessary travel as severe weather threatens large parts of the country.
Weather forecasters and government officials have warned of thunderstorms, flooding, and damaging winds expected across several provinces over the weekend.
Johannesburg is also expected to experience severe weather around the same time as the highly anticipated Springboks-All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium, which kicks off shortly after 17:00.
The adverse conditions could pose a risk to tens of thousands of spectators travelling to the stadium, as well as the two teams.
Disaster management teams, traffic police and emergency services are on high alert and are preparing to respond to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and damaging winds.
Meanwhile, an Orange Level 5 warning has been issued for parts of the Northern Cape, while the Free State, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are also expected to experience severe weather conditions.
KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape could receive up to 80mm of rainfall, while the Free State and Eastern Cape could record around 60mm.
At the same time, the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has urged residents to exercise caution.
“As the city, we remain on high alert together with our specialised rescue unit, which is prepared to respond to water-related emergencies,” said EMS spokesperson Kagiso Phasha.
Phasha has urged motorists to reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and avoid driving through flooded roads.
Pedestrians have also been warned against walking through flooded areas and urged to stay away from fast-flowing water.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates and follow instructions from authorities as the adverse conditions move across the country.
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