Don’t be flushed away this weekend

Fans making their way to the National Stadium in Johannesburg for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) opening match between South Africa and Cape Verde have been advised to prepare for severe weather conditions that may affect tomorrow’s game.

The SA Weather Service says the rain, which has started today in parts of Gauteng, will last throughout the weekend.

The weather service says the heavy rains are likely to result in flash floods in Gauteng and the eastern parts of the country and as a consequence rivers and streams will flow strongly.

Senior forecaster Ezekiel Sebego says the public should be aware of the “rapid rising of water which could happen in six or less hours after heavy rains”.

He advised pedestrians not to walk or swim across streams and move to higher spots if water levels continue increasing at a rapid pace.

Sebego said drivers should also heed the warning.

They are warned to drive cautiously and approach low-level crossings carefully.

“Cars can get swept away by water that can make its way onto bridges that are near low-level crossings,” he added.