The voice clip apparently from ER24 currently being shared amongst South Africans is a hoax… but the storm warning is not.
Torrential rains have caused havoc since Wednesday afternoon in and around Johannesburg with cars submerged on several city roads and highways‚ prompting widespread traffic gridlock.
South Africans across the country have been shocked by images of cars, houses and small businesses wrecked by the rushing water.
This clip, however is a hoax.
A woman, only identifying herself as Antoinette from ER24, warns people to be alert of a heavy storm approaching Gauteng on Friday.
Russel Meiring, spokesman for ER24, confirmed the voice clip was not sent by their communications department and the clip is apparently an old one. ER24 is investigating the matter to determine if the Antoinette woman is indeed an employee of ER24.
With that said though, Gauteng will yet again experience heavy thunderstorms on Friday, according to the South African Weather Service.
It was upgraded to ‘warning’ during the early hours of the morning. At this point in time there’s nothing severe. We are still expecting some response which may result in heavy rain, hail storms, flash flooding and even damage. – Lebogang Mashile, South African Weather Service
Western Gauteng and Tshwane have already started to experience rain.
Warning: 11 Nov (01:00) to 12 Nov (22:00): Midvaal and Emfuleni municipalities: Severe t/storms, heavy rain, large hail, strong wind.
Related Story
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 11, 2016
📢 'ER24' voice note about moving to higher ground a hoax as are other ✉️ on Whatsapp. Severe storms possible this PM but no need for panic.
— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) November 11, 2016
⚠️ ALERT: The SA Weather Service extends watch for severe T-storms in GP. Hail, heavy rain & strong winds possible on Friday until 10pm Sat.
— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) November 11, 2016
by 