GQEBERHA – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has upgraded its disruptive rainfall warning for Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas from Level 5 to Level 8, warning of widespread flooding and dangerous conditions from Wednesday through Thursday.

The warning, issued on Tuesday, is valid from 10:00 on Wednesday, 3 June, until 23.59 on Thursday, 4 June.

The affected areas include Nelson Mandela Bay, Kouga, Kou-Kamma and the Sundays River Valley.

According to SAWS, disruptive rainfall is expected to lead to widespread flooding of settlements, roads, low-lying areas and bridges across the affected regions.

The SAWS added that a cut-off low pressure system will result in showers and thundershowers across parts of the Eastern Cape.

Motorists should avoid driving in heavy rain

Heavy downpours are expected along the coast and adjacent interior areas, particularly along the Eastern Cape south coast, where rainfall totals of about 100mm to 150mm are expected.

The Level 8 warning replaces the Level 5 disruptive rainfall warning issued earlier this week.

In response to the initial warning, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said its Disaster Management Centre, emergency services and relevant municipal departments were closely monitoring any incidents arising from the severe weather conditions.

Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been urged to take precautions to protect themselves, their families and their property.

Motorists have been advised to avoid travelling during periods of intense rainfall and not to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges, streams or low-water crossings.

The municipality has also encouraged residents to monitor official weather updates, secure loose outdoor items, clear drainage systems where possible and report emergencies, flooding, fallen trees or damaged infrastructure to the relevant authorities.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe urged residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.

“While municipal teams are on standby and ready to respond, community cooperation is critical in reducing risks and preventing avoidable incidents during this period of severe weather,” she said.

Residents urged to ensure pets are safe

Animal welfare organisations have also appealed to residents to take steps to protect their animals ahead of the expected severe weather.

In a message shared on its social media page, the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) Port Elizabeth advised that animals should not be chained, tied up or confined and should be able to move away from rising water, flooding and debris.

Pet owners were urged to ensure outdoor kennels are waterproof, positioned away from prevailing winds and raised off damp ground.

The AACL also encouraged livestock owners to move animals to higher, sheltered ground and to open kraals where necessary to allow animals to escape rising floodwaters.

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