Staff Reporter
INTENSE hail and rainstorms have dominated the Hardap and //Kharas regions this week, leaving some areas coated in hailstones while others recorded well over 40 millimetres of rainfall.
These conditions, which intensified as the week progressed, attracted widespread attention, with many people capturing and sharing photos and videos of the extreme weather in the south. Among the videos circulating online was footage of the road to Maltahöhe in the Hardap Region blanketed in hailstones.
Numerous other photos and videos shared on social media showed southern areas drenched by heavy rainfall and covered in thick layers of ice, highlighting the intensity of the southern storms.
Maltahöhe and surrounding areas were particularly affected by hail and rainstorms between Thursday and Friday morning. Maltahöhe recorded about 36mm of rain during this period, while Betta and Duwisib, near Maltahöhe, both recorded an impressive 70mm of rainfall over the same period.
Several other locations in the Hardap Region also recorded substantial rainfall between Thursday and Friday. These included Mariental (50mm), Aranos (23mm) and Tierpan (40mm). Stampriet was also struck by intense hailstorms on Thursday.
The //Kharas Region experienced similar conditions, with Koës and surrounding areas among the most affected. Koës recorded 46mm of rain between Wednesday and Friday morning, while Farm Rooipan, near Koës, received 40mm over the same period. Nuwerus and Gocharus, also near Koës, recorded 58mm and 24mm of rain respectively between Thursday and Friday morning.
More rain showers and strong winds are expected today. Members of the public are urged to remain cautious, as flash flooding is possible in some areas. Persistent hail and rain may also reduce visibility, and road users are advised to exercise extra caution.
Photos and videos: contributed and Facebook (Jeanette Lubbe; Gondwana Collection Namibia (Florian D; Mattanja; Marco); Lien le Grange).
