The Gauteng Provincial Government is urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautions as rainy weather batters the province.
“The Gauteng Provincial Government urges all 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.
“The SAWS has released a Level 9 weather warning for parts of the Gauteng province for 16 November 2025,” said the provincial government in a statement.
This, as SAWS announced an Orange Level 9 warning in a post on the social media platform X, on Saturday.
The warning speaks to a “medium likelihood of disruptive rainfall that may result in severe impacts of widespread flooding of roads, settlements, as well as danger to life due to fast flowing streams over Gauteng and extreme western parts of Mpumalanga.”
The warning came as 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,” said the provincial government.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors.
“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.”
In addition, 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.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and contact their respective municipal disaster management centres should they identify areas at risk of being flooded.
Earlier this week, the weather service advised that the central and eastern parts of South Africa are expected to experience widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, which both bring a risk of flooding, amongst others.
READ | Heavy rain with risk of flooding this weekend
This is due to an intense weather system, a cut-off low pressure affecting the country from Saturday through to Monday (15 - 17 November 2025). -SAnews.gov.za
