(MENAFN) South Africa faces multiple critical weather warnings as a massive cut-off low-pressure system unleashes torrential rainfall, violent thunderstorms, and dangerous flooding across major provinces, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) announced Saturday.

The weather agency forecasts intense precipitation totaling 100 to 150 mm, accompanied by severe thunderstorms and powerful winds beginning Sunday and extending into Monday's predawn hours.

SAWS has declared an orange level 9 warning for Gauteng and western Mpumalanga, cautioning of "disruptive rainfall" capable of triggering extensive flooding of roadways and residential areas, along with life-threatening hazards from rapidly moving waterways.

Limpopo and additional sections of Mpumalanga remain under an orange level 6 alert forecasting extreme thunderstorms, powerful gusts, and substantial precipitation. KwaZulu-Natal has received a yellow level 4 advisory.

An orange level 5 warning covers North West, Northern Cape, and Free State provinces, where authorities anticipate inundation of low-elevation roads and bridge structures plus potential infrastructure destruction.

The storm will continue battering the nation through Monday, the agency reported, noting anticipated consequences include residential and commercial property flooding, hazardous roadway conditions, infrastructure damage, and interruptions to critical services.

Officials strongly urge citizens to regularly check SAWS's official digital platforms and comply with local government directives to minimize risks throughout this extended meteorological crisis.

SAWS employs an impact-based alert framework using color-and-numerical coding that conveys both severity and probability of dangerous weather conditions. Yellow designates potential minor to moderate consequences, orange signals substantial threats, and red indicates extreme peril. Each advisory receives a numerical rating from one to 10 representing the likelihood of occurrence.

MENAFN16112025000045017169ID1110351096