Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms expected across the area on Sunday.
The municipality said the conditions could bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail and frequent lightning, SABC News reported.
Municipal spokesperson Nicolette Maysiels warned that flooding could affect low-lying areas and roads, while damaging winds could bring down trees and interrupt normal services.
The warning is an impact-based alert, meaning residents should prepare for potentially disruptive weather even where rainfall totals differ between neighbourhoods.
Drivers should reduce speed and increase following distance on wet roads. People should avoid low-water crossings and should not enter a flooded road or stream when the depth and current cannot be judged.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and keep away from exposed high ground during lightning. Any emergency directions issued by municipal disaster-management teams take priority as the storm develops.
Weather warnings may be adjusted during the day. Residents should follow the South African Weather Service and Mangaung Metro’s official channels for the latest affected areas and impact level.
