Staff Reporter
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather warning for the Free State and other parts of the country for Friday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, SAWS said some parts of the province may experience damaging winds between 7am and 3pm this Friday.
“The strong and gusty winds observed over the western parts of the Free State and North West provinces are expected to move eastward tomorrow (Friday),” said the SAWS.
It said northerly and north-westerly winds with speeds of 40-50km/hr with gusts of 60-70km/hr will be expected.
Some of the areas that could be affected by the extreme weather in the province include Mangaung, Naledi, Mantsopa, Masilonyana, Matjhabeng, Mohokare, Moqhaka, Nala, Naledi, Setsoto and Tswelopele, among others.
The weather service said the gusty winds could be stronger between Bloemhof and Klerksdorp from 10am-4pm and urged people to exercise caution.
The strong winds could cause difficult driving conditions and localised damage to infrastructure over the central parts of the Free State and North West provinces.
“Tie down vulnerable structures and equipment. Keep driving speeds slower and do not speed in order to maintain maximum control over vehicles during strong winds. High-sided vehicles must take extra care when driving on the N1 and N12,” said the weather service.
It advised fire teams to be on high alert in case veld fires break out.
There is also a high potential for localised damage to vulnerable settlements as well as power and communication interruptions.