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Huge storm hits the Cape: Your wet weather driving guide for dealing with heavy rains and flooded roads in SA

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Cape Town traffic officials are on high alert as a huge cold front makes landfall, with significant rainfall experienced throughout the Western Cape.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts 100% rainfall for Cape Town and most parts of the Western Cape on Thursday.

"Most of the rain is pre-frontal rain. The real cold front will only pass this afternoon - about 13:00," SAWS forecaster Edward Engelbrecht told News24.

Driving in heavy rain

Winter 2018 has arrived in South Africa bringing with it adverse weather conditions including heavy rains, flooding and snow.

We list ways motorist can cope with wet-weather conditions this weekend as well important checks to perform before heading off on any trip this winter.

13 tips for driving in the rain: list by the AA

1 Always turn on your vehicle’s headlights in wet weather. 
2 In heavy rain use the brighter (rear fog lights) setting for your car’s tail lights. 
3 Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and do a clean sweep. 
4 Do not allow the inside of your car's windows to mist up. Switch on front and rear screen demisters and your aircon - yes, an aircon dries the air and removes mist almost instantly.
5 Check your tyre tread: the legal minimum is 1mm but for safety's sake make sure it's treble that.
6 Worn shock-absorbers don't keep the rubber hard down on the road; no road contact = no ABS, no grip and very little braking.
7 Cloudy and rain = poor visibility. Take extra care when overtaking - and remember not all drivers coming towards you will have their headlights on.
8 Adjust speed and following distance; at least six seconds to the car ahead. Ensure you can stop within the visible area ahead. 
9 Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and steering which can result in a skid.
10 Don't drive through deep water. It could damage your car and possibly cost you your life.
11 If you have no option but to drive through such water, then drive slowly in a low gear, holding the steering wheel steady.
12 After driving in heavy rain allow your brakes to dry - especially if your vehicle has drum brakes. 
13 If you experience car/bike trouble turn on your hazard lights and try to move completely off the road. If possible, ensure that you have a reflective warning triangle to erect some distance behind your vehicle.


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