Johannesburg: The Gauteng Provincial Government is urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautions as rainy weather batters the province. ‘The Gauteng Provincial Government urges all residents of the province to remain vigilant following the warning by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) of heavy rains that threaten life and property.

According to South African Government News Agency, the SAWS has released a Level 9 weather warning for parts of the Gauteng province for 16 November 2025, as stated by the provincial government in a statement. This announcement came as SAWS declared an Orange Level 9 warning in a post on the social media platform X, on Saturday.

The warning highlights a ‘medium likelihood of disruptive rainfall that may result in severe impacts of widespread flooding of roads, settlements, as well as danger to life due to fast flowing streams over Gauteng and extreme western parts of Mpumalanga.’ This alert prompted the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre and all emergency services to activate all systems and contingency plans to save lives and avert disasters across the province.

‘The predictions indicate that areas may experience heavy downpours and hail, coupled with severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding in vulnerable areas. These conditions pose an increased risk of flood-related incidents, lightning strikes, and infrastructure damage, all of which can disrupt essential services and threaten communities if not proactively managed,’ said the provincial government. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

The provincial government further advised communities to avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams, and motorists to use headlights, maintain low speeds, and avoid flooded roads. Residents in low-lying areas at risk of flooding are advised to evacuate to higher ground and keep away from power lines. Children should not play in puddles, open drains, or ditches.

Potential impacts of severe thunderstorms include heavy downpours that may lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, flat plains, and flood-prone roads. Large amounts of small hail over open areas, damaging winds, and excessive lightning may cause structural damage or fires. Traffic disruptions due to flooded major roads, minor to major vehicle accidents resulting from poor visibility and slippery roads, and damage to houses or structures, particularly roof damage in both formal and informal settlements are also anticipated.

Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and contact their respective municipal disaster management centres should they identify areas at risk of being flooded. Earlier this week, the weather service advised that the central and eastern parts of South Africa are expected to experience widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, which both bring a risk of flooding, amongst others.