adminElita Chikwati, Harare Bureau
The Meteorological Services Department has issued a ‘heightened’ warning of high rainfall characterised by lightning, damaging winds and hail with potential of causing flooding and water logging in most parts of the country.
According to the MSD’s latest forecast, widespread heavy rains in excess of 50mm in 24 hours are expected throughout the country between tomorrow and Tuesday.
“On the high ground areas along the central and northern watershed as well as the Eastern Highlands, rainfall in excess of 80mm in 24 hours is highly probable.
“This is especially more so between Sunday 11 and Tuesday 13 December.
Most parts of Midlands are expected to receive above 90mm hence the possibility of flooding.
“Indications are that these rains may result in sharp downpours, damaging winds, lightning, hail and flash flooding.
“Uprooting of trees and damage to infrastructure cannot be ruled out with this type of rainfall intensity,” said the MSD in a statement.
The MSD also alerted responsible authorities such as Department of Civil Protection, local authorities, the police, rescue services including religious organisations and power utilities, to be on high alert.
The MSD stated that a cloud system currently affecting Botswana and South Africa was forecast to move into Zimbabwe from yesterday.
At the same time a low pressure system in the middle levels of the atmosphere should also enter the country from Zambia.
This combination is conducive for increasing and squeezing the moisture in the country, hence increased precipitation.
On Sunday, there were reports of heavy downpours that also saw some areas experiencing hailstorms that destroyed tobacco.
Online Reporter