Heavy rain is forecast for parts of North West, Gauteng, Eastern Free State, Kwazulu Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga from Friday (18/1/2013) to Monday (21 January 2013). Flash Flooding and Flooding is expected to occur in places. Please refrain from crossing low level bridges, flooded roads and ravines. Parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo already received heavy rain in the past two days with rivers currently in flood. The soil in some areas of these two provinces is now saturated which will result in flash flooding and flooding if heavy rain again falls in these areas.
Flash flooding occurs when precipitation falls rapidly on saturated soil. The runoff collects in gullies and streams and, as they join to form larger volumes, often forms a fast flowing front of water and debris.
SAWDOS recommends that people get out of the area of a flash flood, rather than trying to cross it. Many people tend to underestimate the dangers of flash floods. What makes flash floods most dangerous is their sudden nature and fast moving water. A vehicle provides little to no protection against being swept away. It may make people overconfident and less likely to avoid the flash flood. More than three quarter of the fatalities attributed to flash floods in South Africa are people swept away in vehicles when trying to cross flooded rivers, bridges, ravines and roads. As little as 500cm of water is enough to carry away motor- and LDV vehicles. TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN!!
On the other hand floods can also occur in rivers, when flow exceeds the capacity of the river channel, particularly at bends or meanders. Floods often cause damage to homes and businesses if they are placed in natural flood plains of rivers. While flood damage can be virtually eliminated by moving away from rivers and other bodies of water, since time out of mind, people have lived and worked by the water to seek sustenance and capitalize on the gains of cheap and easy travel and commerce by being near water. That humans continue to inhabit areas threatened by flood damage is evidence that the perceived value of living near the water exceeds the cost of repeated periodic flooding.
Some floods develop slowly, while others such as flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain. Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins.
Some things to be aware of:
- be aware of any signs of heavy rain
- if you see or hear rapid rising water get to high ground
- do not attempt to cross the flowing water
- evacuate quickly and move to higher ground
Observation reports help your community by keeping them informed of severe weather occurring in areas. They also help in making critical decisions to protect lives before and during severe weather.
Observation reports also help members of the public in the warning process. Your report becomes part of this very effective warning process.
For your reports to be the most useful, they should be as detailed, accurate and timely as possible. Do not forget to add the time and place when submitting your observation reports.
Weather observation reports can be send to the SAWDOS via Twitter (@SAWDOS1), Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/groups/374316165928426/ ), or via Email ( sawois05 AT gmail DOT com)
Looking forward to receive your reports, images and information.
Keep safe!!
Johan Terblanche
Founder: SAWDOS
Mossel Bay
16 January 2013
SAWDOS: A FREE SERVICE BY THE PUBLIC FOR THE PUBLIC!
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