City of Tshwane Issues Urgent Flood Warning Amid Heavy Rainfall

Tshwane: The City of Tshwane (CoT) has called on residents living in low lying areas to immediately move to higher ground as heavy rain continues to fall over most parts of Gauteng. According to South African Government News Agency, the CoT's Emergency Services Department received an impact-based warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) indicating a Level 9 alert for disruptive rain. The severe weather is attributed to an intense cut-off low-pressure system expected between midnight on Saturday, November 15, 2025, and midnight on Sunday, November 16, 2025. These systems are known to produce widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, elevating the risk of flooding, infrastructure damage, and other weather-related hazards, with predicted rainfall accumulations of 100 - 150mm for the City of Tshwane. The statement urges residents in flood-prone areas, including low-lying areas, riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands, to relocate temporarily to higher ground due to the potential for rapid water a ccumulation leading to sudden and dangerous flooding. Motorists are also advised to avoid driving during heavy downpours as several roads are expected to flood, creating life-threatening conditions. Inhabitants are encouraged to remain indoors and move to higher floors if residing in high-rise buildings. The City of Tshwane has identified high-risk areas across all regions and its Emergency Services Department will stay on high alert, monitoring known flooding hotspots throughout the warning period. Response teams are prepared to intervene where necessary to protect lives and property. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the City of Tshwane and the South African Weather Service for timely alerts and safety information. Safety precautions include avoiding metal objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed-wire fences or power lines, and moving away from lakes, ponds, or any large bodies of water during lightning activity. Residents should not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during thunderstorms and should avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, or swollen streams. If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, individuals are advised to abandon the vehicle and seek higher ground. The statement emphasizes the importance of staying informed by monitoring short-term weather forecasts and any warnings or alerts issued by the South African Weather Service. Residents are urged to report any flooding incidents to the Emergency Services Department toll-free at 107 or 012 358 6300/6400. The SAWS announced the Orange Level 9 warning in a post on the social media platform X on Saturday.