Whatsapp weather voice note is a hoax

External communications manager for SA Weather, Hannelee Doubell has urged the public to remain calm following an audio clip that circulated around social media, warning people of a massive thunderstorm and urging them to get home if they are out.

Doubell confirmed that the clip was misleading and untrue, and urged the public to rather check or follow @SAWeatherServic for updates or check their website. However the website at the time of print had crashed due to a high volume of visitors. 

The https://t.co/6QWK1I3yJ3 website is currently still down. We'll continue our updates here.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 11, 2016

Contrary to misleading audio clip on social media, at the current time 11h35, there are NO severe storms over Gaut now. See Irene radar. pic.twitter.com/QaP4SapP7F

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 11, 2016

Er24 Communications Mangager, Werner Vermaak confirmed that the audio clip had not been circulated by ER24 and they were trying to establish if the lady indeed worked or had worked for ER24.

He added that the audio was definitely a scare tactic, and also urged the public to remain calm.

Doublee provided the following safety tips:

Lightning: Keep some distance away from fences, telephone or power lines and steel structures such as pylons and windmills.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 10, 2016

Lightning: Keep some distance away from fences, telephone or power lines and steel structures such as pylons and windmills.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 10, 2016

Lightning: Do not take a bath or shower during a thunder/ lightning storm

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 10, 2016

She also encouraged people to stay put, and not cross any bridges or water puddles.

Read: You cannot outrun or outdrive a flash flood