SAWS: More thunderstorms expected over large parts of SA
The South African Weather Service has warned that more thunderstorms are expected over large parts of the country ahead of the weekend.
Severe storms accompanied by strong winds hit several parts of the country on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction.
Affected provinces include Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
There were reports of extremely strong winds from several areas across Gauteng, including Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Pretoria and Centurion.
The storm damaged some of the power lines feeding Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch water treatment plant in Vereeniging, affecting water supply to several areas in the province.
Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela says dry conditions in Gauteng contributed to the strength of the storm in Gauteng.
“While this type of storm development can occur at any time of the year, early summer season storms are notorious in terms of frequently being associated with strong, damaging winds caused by dry microbursts, which is sinking air travelling at high speed.
“Yesterday, the wind speed exceeded 50 knots (114 km/h), which is consistent with the typical strength of a dry microburst.”
