Johannesburg – The Gauteng Provincial Government has urged residents of the province to remain vigilant following the warning by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) of heavy rains that threaten life and property.
SAWS released a Level 9 weather warning for parts of the Gauteng province for today, Sunday, 16 November 2025.
The Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre and all emergency services have activated all systems and contingency plans to save lives and avert disasters across the province.
The predictions indicate that areas may experience heavy downpours and hail, coupled with severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding in vulnerable areas.
These conditions pose an increased risk of flood-related incidents, lightning strikes, and infrastructure damage, all of which can disrupt essential services and threaten communities if not proactively managed.
Residents are warned to stay indoors, if possible, and to stay away from metal objects.
And to try and delay travel arrangements. Communities are warned to stay indoors, if possible, to stay away from metal objects, and to try as much as possible to delay travel arrangements
The following precautions should be taken:
- Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams
- Motorists are advised to use headlights,
- Maintain low speeds and avoid flooded roads
- If you are in a low-lying area and at risk of flooding, evacuate to higher ground
- Keep away from power lines
- Children should not play in puddles, open drains or ditches
Potential impacts of severe thunderstorms include:
- Heavy downpours that may lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, flat plains, and flood-prone roads. Large amounts of small hail over open areas.
- Damaging winds and excessive lightning which may cause structural damage or fires.
- Traffic disruptions due to flooded major roads. Minor to major vehicle accidents resulting from poor visibility and slippery roads.
- Damage to houses or structures, particularly roof damage, in both formal and informal settlements.
- Danger to life caused by fast-flowing streams and rivers. Residents are urged to observe the following safety precautions: Avoid metal objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed-wire fences or power lines.
- When outdoors, immediately move away from lakes, ponds, or any large bodies of water during lightning activity.
- Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during thunderstorms.
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, or swollen streams.
- If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and contact their respective municipal disaster management centres should they identify areas at risk of being flooded.
