Joburg EMS on high alert after SAWS warns of severe storms in Gauteng

After a day of heavy rains and localised flooding, Gauteng residents are warned to prepare for more severe storms on Friday.

On Thursday, intense rain swamped parts of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane - with viral footage of water trickling into Golden Walk Mall in Germiston and parts of the Gillooly’s Interchange submerged, forcing traffic diversions.

Emergency Management Services (EMS) said they’ll continue monitoring low-lying areas and stand ready for search-and-rescue operations if needed.

The storm overwhelmed drainage in several suburbs including Alberton, Bedfordview, Krugersdorp and Sunninghill, while other flood-prone zones to watch include Alex, Benoni, Centurion, Joburg CBD and Soweto.

Areas around the Jukskei and Hennops Rivers and major routes such as the M1 and N3, remain at risk, especially where blocked drains or litter make flooding worse.

Joburg’s EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, explained.

“We remain on high alert, together with our aquatics unit, which is a specialised team, tasked with responding to water related emergencies.”

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned of local damage to infrastructure, vehicles and livelihoods if more storms hit.

Residents are urged to move to higher ground if water levels rise, keep children away from fast-flowing water, and report flooding or stranded vehicles to emergency services.

It’s been a soggy start to the weekend, but authorities said vigilance now could prevent a worse situation for Saturday.

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