South African Weather Service alerts are impact-based — the idea is to communicate “what the weather will do” (flood roads, damage roofs, threaten lives), not just “X mm of rain.”
They use a colour + level to show severity + likelihood:
- Yellow (Level 1–4): low–moderate impacts (be alert, some disruption possible).
- Orange (Level 5–8): significant impacts (take precautions; real risk to safety/infrastructure).
- Red (Level 9–10): severe impacts (major danger; act immediately).
Practical meaning: the higher the level and “warmer” the colour, the less you debate and the more you act.
Practical steps to stay safe (Protect homes + Pets)
When it’s Yellow (prepare today)
- Clear water paths: gutters, downpipes, yard drains, stormwater grates near your gate.
- Reduce flying debris: tie down bins, outdoor furniture, trampolines, shade cloth.
- Protect documents: put IDs, policies, title deeds in a water-resistant container.
- Power readiness: charge phones/power banks; know where your DB/main switch is.
When it’s Orange (take precautions now)
- Avoid low-lying routes & bridges and don’t plan “quick trips” through water-prone dips.
- Move valuables higher (upstairs/top shelves): electronics, meds, important paperwork.
- Pre-evac plan: decide where you’ll go if water rises (family/friend on higher ground).
- Check neighbours: elderly, families with toddlers, anyone with mobility issues.
When it’s Red (act immediately)
- Do not cross floodwater. Even shallow fast water can knock you over or move a car.
- Get to higher ground / evacuate early if you’re in a known flood path.
- Electricity safety: if flooding reaches your home, switch off power at the main DB — don’t unplug devices while standing near water.
- Avoid floodwater contact (often contaminated; can even be electrically charged from downed lines).
Pets and animals: the “don’t panic, execute” plan
Floods are chaotic for animals — preparation is what prevents tragedy.
- Bring pets indoors early (don’t wait until you hear the “rushing water” soundtrack).
- Pet go-bag (minimum): food, water, bowls, bedding, meds, basic first aid + sanitation items.
- If you evacuate: take pets with you if possible (don’t assume you can “come back in 20 minutes”).
Two habits that matter most
- Treat low-lying areas as “No-Go zones” in heavy rain — reroute early.
- Only trust verified warnings (SAWS + official channels). Don’t forward random WhatsApp “alerts” that can’t be verified.
Here are the official SAWS channels you can rely on for warnings and updates:
- SAWS website (WeatherSA Portal): forecasts, notices and official info
WeatherSA - Official Warnings page (WeatherSA Portal): live warning maps + alert details
WeatherSA - WeatherSmart app (official SAWS app):
- Android (Google Play) Google Play
- iOS (Apple App Store) App Store
- X (Twitter): @SAWeatherServic
X (formerly Twitter) - Facebook: South African Weather Service (official page)
facebook.com - Instagram: @southafricanweatherservice
Instagram - YouTube: South African Weather Service (official channel)
YouTube - WhatsApp Channel (official SAWS channel): SAWS posts the channel link via their official socials
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