Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Update: Real Time Storm Observation: Heavy Rain reported in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Lowveld areas.


Image: The crocodile river close to the crocodile bridge gate to the Kruger national park. - Hendrik Erasmus

Continues heavy rain has fallen in parts of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo province since the 16 January 2012 and heavy rain is expected to continue in these provinces until Thursday, 19 January 2012.  The following rainfall figures were recorded from midnight last night:

Hazyview - 36.1 mm
White River - 95 mm
Highlands - 128 mm
Sabie - 76.5 mm
Malelane - 107.7 mm
Piet Retief - 44.7 mm
Clifton - 68.1

Further heavy rain is expected to fall in areas of  Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the Lowveld area. With heavy rainfall there is the  risk of flooding, rockfalls and mudslides.  Localized flooding has already been reported with several bridges under water and houses damaged in the Nkomazi area of Mpumalanga. Another aspect that we should not loose track of is the increase in dam, river and ravine levels. Rising levels make it very dangerous to cross rivers, bridges and ravines. Avoid crossing any rivers, low lying bridges or ravines in Mpumalanga/Limpopo where water is flowing rapidly. If at all possible avoid all rivers, low lying bridges or ravines until further notice. Rockfalls has also been reported on the R37 Route, near the Sabie T-junction. Be on the lookout for rockfalls and mudslides. The Crocodile Bridge on the R571 is flooded near Komati Poort. The road has been closed to traffic.

The tropical depression has been downgraded to a low pressure system. As can be seen on the satellite image the system has moved rapidly away from the Mozambique coast and is now situated over the Lowveld. Although the system loses its strength as it moves over land, heavy rain is still expected in areas.

Please report any heavy rain, flooding, rockfalls, mudslides and storm damage to the SAWDOS.

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