Tropical storm Eloise intensifies, will bring heavy winds and rain
The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow level 4 warning in anticipation of tropical storm Eloise.
It's also warning there is a severe risk of disruptive rains and damaging winds.
“Eloise” is currently in the central part of the Mozambique Channel.
The weather service says in the last 24 hours, the storm has intensified significantly because of the warm waters.
It's expected to make landfall near Biera in Mozambique.
It should then make its way to the northeastern parts of South Africa - and hit the eastern lowveld and escarpment of Limpopo and Mpumalanga - as well as northern KZN.
The service says the heaviest rains are expected on Sunday and Monday.
Cooperative Governance spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila says disaster management teams are on standby in the uMkhanyakude District.
"The
reports received by the department indicate there is limited risk that the
storm poses to the northern part of the province,' Mzila said.
"As a precaution MEC Hlomuka has place disaster management teams on high alert just in case their services are required. Hlomuka is appealing to residents to continue to be vigilant," he added.
⚠️🌀ELOISE is expected to reach Tropical Cyclone status and make landfall near Beira in Mozambique. It is then expected to become an overland depression and result in significant rain over eastern parts of SA. Have a look at the alert areas below. pic.twitter.com/zSvbnATpiz
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 22, 2021
