Heavy rains expected

Widespread heavy rains in excess of 60mm in 24 hours accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms are expected today until next week in some areas, the Meteorological Services Department has said.

The department advised that uprooting of trees, flash flooding and destruction of infrastructure cannot be ruled out with this type of rainfall intensity.

MSD head of forecasting, Mr Tich Zinyemba said temperatures have been high and so the thunderstorms have the potential of large hail and damaging winds.

"This advisory is issued at a time when a very active cloud system which is currently over Botswana will have steadily moved eastwards to start affecting Matabeleland provinces by today. This cloud band will cover the country by Sunday," he said.

The department recommended the motorists not to attempt to cross flooded low lying bridges.

"People should not cross streams or rivers which are flooded, do not take shelter under trees during a thunderstorm as there is enhanced risk of being struck by lightning," he said.

"Farmers who are into tobacco farming should insure their crops against hail damage and people should refrain from parking their vehicles under big and old tress as these may fall down," he said.

Mr Zinyemba said from Tuesday next week, weather patterns are indicating another more organised cloud system expected to affect the whole of Zimbabwe during the period.

"Calculations show that this band of disturbed weather will also bring widespread and heavy rains accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorm activity. Rains in excess of 60mm in 24 hours should be realised firstly in Matabeleland South and Masvingo then further in Mashonaland provinces," he said.