Heavy rains may lead to flash floods

Niël Terblanché & Marthina Mutanga
THE blessing of good rains that will last for more than two consecutive days is upon Namibia while more than 200 millimetres of rain is expected to fall over the next ten days.
Heavy thundershowers that are expected to pour out in excess of 50 millimetres of rain at a time that will be accompanied by thunder and lightning and strong winds are in the forecast for the entire country from today onwards.
According to Odilo Kgobetsi, chief forecaster at the Namibia Meteorological Service, the rainy weather will first be observed over the northern half of the country and that the heavy weather will move to the south eastern parts of Namibia later in the day. He added that heavy downpours associated with flash floods are expected in the Kavango, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Erongo and Khomas regions. A day later the morth westerna and north eastern parts of Namibia will receive the same heavy weather.
On Friday the rainy weather will spread to the south western parts of the country where up to 30 millimetres are expected to fall over certain parts by Friday afternoon.
He said flash floods are most likely over the Ohangwena and Omaheke regions from today onwards.
He said a trough of low pressure currently situated off the west coast of southern Africa as dragging humid air down from Angola over Namibia.
“We therefore advise members of the public to take necessary precautions when lightning occurs and when for instance crossing flooded rivers,” he said, adding that the Department will keep monitoring the conditions and will be updating the public accordingly.
General precaution around the house could be to ensure that gutters and downpipes are clear of blockages and that storm water channels and pipes through boundary walls are clear of debris. This will ensure that flood water will not be able damage property.
When a lightning storm occurs it is best to unplug computer and other sensitive electronic equipment to avoid damage.
It would be best if vehicles are parked under a roof of some kind to avoid damage that could be caused by hail.
Small stock and cattle must be kept away from dry river beds that are likely to flood. Weak animals should be taken into barns or into other kinds of roofed structures to avoid them dying of cold after getting wet.
Rain is also expected over the central and northern parts of the Namibian coast from today onwards.