Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
THE Meteorological Service Department (MSD) has warned of heavy rains exceeding 80 millimetres (mm) that will be accompanied by thunderstorms as well as lightning and strong winds in some parts of the country including the Matabeleland Region from today until Tuesday.
Areas to be affected include Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, southern parts of Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, Harare Metropolitan and Mashonaland East provinces.
The department said in a statement: “Watch out for heavy rainfall and flash flooding in flood-prone areas, river basins and wetlands in provinces such as Masvingo, Manicaland, Harare Metropolitan, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland North and South.”
They warned of strong winds, fallen trees, blown off rooftops and lightning and called on the public to mend rooftops, secure loose items, ensure animals are safe and trim loose hanging branches.
MSD said seconds before a storm when lightning flashes, the public should go inside a house/building and must not stand under trees or next to a tall pole/object.
The department added: “During a storm avoid the use of machinery/open vehicles like tractors.
“Avoid open areas, avoid using taps or showers, do not go into flooded areas and follow regular updates on official MSD platforms.”
They added that a thick cloud system is expected to move in from Botswana towards the western borders of the country, at the same time receiving cool moist air from the southeast.
MSD said the combination of these two systems is expected to bring heavy rainfall exceeding 80mm along with strong winds, thunder and lightning.
“These conditions may lead to flash floods in flood-prone zones and river basins, slippery roads with reduced visibility requiring longer braking distances, as well as fallen trees and powerlines.
“The public is therefore strongly advised to take precautionary measures as directed by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU).”
