Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has urged people to exercise caution after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms and very low temperatures affecting the city, amid broader Orange snowfall warnings for parts of the country.
What is happening and what to do now
DEMS said parts of Ekurhuleni are already experiencing heavy downpours and strong winds. The conditions have contributed to widespread power interruptions, prompting a large volume of calls to service centres and the dispatch of repair teams.
Residents are advised to prioritise safety and reduce risk while severe weather continues:
- Switch off heaters and open flames before sleeping or leaving a room; avoid leaving heat sources unattended.
- Do not make outdoor open fires during high winds — flames can spread rapidly.
- Take care with cigarettes and embers — discard butts safely to avoid igniting dry vegetation.
- Prepare for possible power outages by charging phones and keeping torches and blankets accessible.
“Switch off all heat sources when going to bed. Avoid making open fires outside, as strong winds can cause flames to spread rapidly and turn a small fire into a much larger one,”
DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi is quoted in the city statement urging extra caution in densely built areas such as informal settlements, where closely spaced structures can allow fires to spread quickly from one home to another.
Power and emergency response
Eskom reported the high volume of customer calls and confirmed that teams are being deployed to affected areas to restore supply and resolve network issues around the clock. DEMS said it was dispatching municipal teams to assist where necessary.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| SAWS warning | Yellow Level 2 — severe thunderstorms, very low temperatures; national tweets referenced an Orange Level 6 warning for snowfall in some areas |
| Local impacts | Heavy downpours, strong winds, widespread power outages |
| Advice | Avoid open fires, switch off heaters when unattended, monitor local updates |
The South African Weather Service also indicated the forecast for the following day, with cloudy, cold to cool conditions and showers across much of the country — with the highest rainfall chances in the south-east and east — and snowfall expected in high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Free State.
Special risks for informal settlements and indoor heating
DEMS highlighted two principal hazards arising from the cold front: the risk of rapidly spreading fires in tightly packed housing areas, and the danger of toxic fumes and accidental fires linked to alternative heating methods.
- Informal settlements: Keep clear access for emergency services and avoid open flames. Do not store large amounts of flammable material near sleeping areas.
- Indoor heating: Use heaters according to manufacturer instructions; ensure ventilation if using fuels such as paraffin, and never use braziers or wood-burning stoves inside without proper ventilation.
DEMS emphasised safe behaviour: avoid throwing lit cigarette butts away carelessly, and maintain spacing between temporary structures where possible to reduce fire spread.
Where to get updates
Residents should follow official channels for the latest warnings and service information. Monitor SAWS alerts for changing weather levels and service providers such as Eskom for power-restoration updates. Contact numbers and progress bulletins will be issued by the City of Ekurhuleni DEMS and municipal communications teams.
In the event of an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service. If you are in an area affected by outages or flooding, avoid downed power lines and keep clear of flooded roads and bridges.
Practical preparation now — securing loose objects outdoors, having charged torches and basic supplies ready, and adopting safe heating practices — will reduce the chances of injury and property loss as the cold front and associated storms move through the region.
