WEATHER ALERT: SAWS ISSUES LEVEL 2 WARNING FOR SATURDAY FOR KOMANI AREA

LEVEL 2 WARNING: BIG STORMS AND HAIL HEADED FOR KOMANI!

IT IS time to park your car under a roof and keep the kids inside because heavy weather is on the way!

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms expected to hit the Chris Hani District and surrounding areas this Saturday.

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

According to the weather office, the bad weather is expected to start rolling in from 12:00 on Saturday, 10 January 2026, and will last until late that night at around 23:00.

Forecasters warn that upper-air perturbations are bringing storm development that could result in heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, and even large hail in some places.

AFFECTED AREAS

The warning covers a large part of the Eastern Cape. Residents in Enoch Mgijima – including Komani, Molteno, and Tarkastad – need to be on high alert.

Other affected areas include Emalahleni, Dr AB Xuma, Sakhisizwe, Intsika Yethu, Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu municipalities. Basically, if you are in Chris Hani (excluding Cradock) or Joe Gqabi, watch out!

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

The storm brings a risk of localised damage to settlements, vehicles, and livestock. Road flooding and pooling are also expected, making driving conditions dangerous, especially on dirt roads.

SAWS has urged residents to:

• Park vehicles under shelter to avoid hail damage.

• Avoid travelling if possible and stay indoors away from metal objects.

• Secure loose objects outside your house before the storm hits.

• Do not seek shelter under trees.

• Never try to cross flooded roads or fast-flowing streams.