Elita Chikwati
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of scattered thunderstorms accompanied by possible hailstorms. The storms are expected in the southern and western provinces today, before shifting to the northern and eastern provinces tomorrow and on Thursday.
In an advisory, the MSD said scattered thunderstorms with possible hail are expected over Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands, Masvingo and southern parts of Manicaland.
“On Wednesday, cool moist south easterly winds will bring more stable conditions to the southern half of the country while thunderstorms shift northwards affecting Harare Metropolitan, northern parts of Manicaland and all Mashonaland provinces through Thursday, with possible localised heavy downpours.
“Daily updates will be provided through official media channels and residents are strongly urged to follow guidance issued by the Department of Civil Protection,” said the MSD.
Members of the public should watch out for lightning strikes and flash floods in low-lying areas, along rivers and in urban centres. Strong winds may also cause damage to crops, fallen trees and structures, while high moisture levels can reduce grain quality by increasing fungal diseases.
The public is advised to take these precautionary measures during violent storms:
– Seek shelter indoors immediately when thunderstorms approach.
– Avoid sheltering under trees, especially during lightning and strong winds.
– Stay away from windows, doors and verandas during storms.
– Avoid open fields, hilltops and other exposed areas during lightning.
– Never walk, swim or drive through flooded roads, rivers or streams.
– Move to higher ground when flooding threatens homes or communities.
– Secure roofing sheets, doors, windows and loose outdoor objects before storms arrive.
– Park vehicles away from trees, power lines and unstable structures.
– Switch off and unplug electrical appliances when safe to do so.
– Keep away from fallen power lines and report them to the relevant authorities.
– Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, strong winds and poor visibility.
– Keep children indoors and away from rivers, dams and drainage channels.
– Move livestock away from flood-prone areas and riverbanks.
– Avoid working in fields or operating machinery during thunderstorms.
– Monitor official weather forecasts and warnings issued by the MSD.
– Follow evacuation instructions from the Department of Civil Protection.
– Keep emergency supplies, including drinking water, a torch, a first-aid kit and a charged mobile phone.
– Assist elderly people, children and persons with disabilities to reach safe shelter.
– Remain indoors until the storm has passed and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
