Destructive thunderstorms looming – Met Dept

Harare (New Ziana) – The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) on Monday warned of thunderstorms, violent in some places, across much of the country till end of the week.

In a statement, the MSD said during the period, the public should watch out for strong winds, lightning, hailstorms, localised heavy rains, fallen trees, damaged roofs and loose debris.

“The country is set to be hit by rumbling thunderstorms from 29 October to 3 November with Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Manicaland set to be hit first,” it said.

“A cloud band from the Atlantic Ocean is slowly approaching the country through Botswana and is expected to encroach the western borders of the country late Saturday and sweep across the country from Sunday 29 October till Friday 3 November 2023. This should result in scattered thunderstorms across the country,” it added.

It said the thunderstorms will be characterised by lightning, localised heavier rains (30mm) strong winds and hailstorms.

The MSD urged the public to stay indoors during thunderstorms and refrain from using electrical appliances during storms as these, and Wi-Fi routers, were vulnerable to lightning strikes.

Farmers have also been advised to take protective measures for both plants and livestock, such covering plants to protect them from the likelihood of being damaged by hailstorms.

New Ziana