The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe has said most parts of Zimbabwe are expected to receive heavy rainfall from today 16 February 2023.
In a weather update seen by Pindula News, MSD urged members of the public to stay indoors as the heavy rainfall may disrupt outdoor activities. Reads the weather update issued on the 15th of February 2023:
• WHAT?: HEAVY RAINFALL
• WHERE?: THE MOST PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
• WHEN?: THURSDAY 16 TO MONDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2023
• WATCH OUT FOR: LOCALIZED VERY HEAVY RAINS (IN EXCESS OF 50mm) & FLASH FLOODING IN AREAS WITH SATURATED SOILS, WETLANDS, IMPERVIOUS GROUNDS & ALONG RIVER BASINS. BLOWN OFF ROOFTOPS & FALLEN TREES DUE TO STRONG WINDS. OPEN DRAINS AND POTHOLES THAT MAY BE COVERED IN WATER
• WHAT TO DO: STAY INDOORS DURING THUNDERSTORMS UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY RAIN MAY AFFECT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: PLANS WITH WEATHER IN MIND, IF TRAVEL IS NECESSARY, PLEASE TAKE CAUTION ON THE ROADS AS VISIBILITY MAY BE REDUCED AND THERE MAY BE HIDDEN FLOOD DANGERS DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS FLOODED RIVERS [ON FOOT OR IN VEHICLES]
*UPDATES ON THE IMPACTS AND REFINED AREAS TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE AVAILED THROUGH THE MSD PLATFORMS
• WARNING LEVEL: 4
LIKELIHOOD: LOW
IMPACT: SIGNIFICANT
HOW?: The effects of a Cut-off low, expected from Thursday 16 February into the weekend, should be felt in most parts of the country with heavy rains mainly expected in the southern half of the country. Rainfall amounts in excess of 65mm in 24 hours with a high probability of flash floods in the low-lying areas are anticipated. This is normal for this time of the year, especially in a season that is expected to have above-normal to normal rains.