Disruptive rain is expected across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to Wednesday (5 to 8 January 2025).
Affected areas are the North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Rain is expected to increase by between 50 and 70 mm.
In addition, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast a deviation from evening summer rain which usually starts at 6pm, to anytime before that and 1am.
At least 60% of showers are expected.
The Road Traffic Management Centre (RTMC), said these are the critical hours that road users should avoid driving.
“For this festive season, a higher number of road fatalities than previous years, has already been reported, and the SAWS, in collaboration with the RTMC, would like to urge motorists, pedestrians and the public to be extra vigilant and careful on the roads during these conditions to prevent the further loss of lives.”
Motorists are advised to use vehicle headlights, while driving at a reasonably low speed, to clear windscreens, as traffic and road markings could be difficult to see during the occurrence of heavy rain.
Low-water bridges could overflow, with powerful water currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to loss of lives and property.
Information compiled by: Samkelisiwe Thwala (Forecaster), edited by: Vanetia Phakhula (Senior Forecaster) and approved by Puseletso Mofokeng (Acting Manager).