Heavy rain, flooding expected as tropical storm heads for SA
South Africans have been warned of possible heavy rains and localised flooding.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says it has been monitoring the development of a tropical weather system in the Mozambique Channel over the past few days.
If the tropical storm hits Mozambique, it has the potential to result in severe weather conditions over the north-eastern parts of the country later this week.
"Currently the tropical low has been classified as a tropical disturbance, however within the next 24 hours, the system is expected to intensify and become a moderate tropical storm, at which time it will be assigned a unique name," says the SAWS.
A tropical storm is associated with winds of between 63 - 88km/h.
How the storm gets its name
The storm's unique name will be assigned according to a pre-defined alphabetical list, valid for the 2016/2017 tropical storm season in the South-West Indian ocean region.
"Assuming the current system deepens to at least the moderate tropical storm stage, the name to be assigned to the system will be 'Dineo'," says the SAWS.
Tracking the storm
The tropical storm is expected to intensify and reach a severe level with wind speeds of between 89-117 km/h on the morning of 15 February, when it is projected to be on the coastline of southern Mozambique.
"Thereafter, during Wednesday to Friday, it is expected to move inland, bringing heavy tropical rain to the sub region.
"The weather service says South Africans living in the north-eastern parts of the country, including parts of the Kruger National Park may experience heavy rain as well as localised flooding, although its not likely to be as severe as in Mozambique," says the SAWS.
Areas of impact
Whilst there is much uncertainty regarding the location and timing of the storm's impact within South Africa, the most likely areas to be affected include the Ehlanzeni district (including the Kruger National Park) in Mpumalanga as well as Mopani and Vhembe districts in Limpopo, before spreading to other districts in Limpopo.
Current projections DO NOT expect the system to intensify to the tropical cyclone stage before hitting dry land.
A tropical cyclone is associated with extremely powerful, destructive winds, as well as a marked storm surge along the coast.
"We therefore hope that current projections remain on track, in terms of further intensification of the system," says the SAWS.