By Dylan Munashe Dzenga
The Meteorological Services Department has warned the nation of heavy showers expected mainly across the southern parts of the country with flash floods most likely to occur.
The heavy showers are expected to take place from Friday the 6th to Sunday the 8th of January this year.
In a report tweeted by the department, people have been warned to watch out for very localized heavy rains (in excess of 50mm) and flash flooding in areas with saturated soils, wetlands, impervious grounds and along river basins.
Possible impacts to be experienced from these are blown off rooftops and fallen trees due to the strong winds. Pot holes and open drains filled with water are also part of the results that the Meteorological department has warned the nation to watch out for.
These heavy rains are a result of moisture from the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) coupled with moist winds from the south-east coast of Southern Africa that will converge along the central watershed on Friday.
This results in heavy rains in areas along the main watershed and East Highlands. The South easterly winds are expected to drive more moisture northward into areas to the north of the watershed on Saturday and Sunday.
Speaking to Street Eye ZW, one of the department members advised that this is normal in this time of the year.
‘In a season that is expected to have above to normal rains, this is common, but still precaution has to be taken to avoid instances where people are caught unaware in floods, landslides and hailstorms,’ he said
As a result of this, the Meteorological Department has advised the general public to stay indoors during thunderstorms unless there is an emergency. They have also shared that the heavy rains might affect all outdoor activities thereby informing people in the areas to be highly affected to plan with the weather in mind.
One of the major issues the Department has also warned about is crossing flooded rivers. They have advised against doing so whether it is by foot or by vehicle.
In the rain season, flooding accidents are very high due to most roads being damaged or flooded by the heavy rains.