People carrying umbrellas walk across a busy road A severe weather warning has been issued for KwaZulu-Natal. Picture: DOCTOR NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
Durban: The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has issued severe weather warnings for KwaZulu-Natal, predicting heavy thunderstorms and disruptive rainfall across the province today and tomorrow.
The weather service warned of potential flooding, damage to infrastructure, and traffic disruptions.
An orange level 5 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms in the north-eastern parts of KZN today, Wednesday, while a yellow level 2 warning is in place for the rest of the province.
According to SAWS, these storms will bring “strong damaging winds, large amounts of small hail, and heavy downpours,” which were likely to cause localised flooding.
A yellow level 4 warning has also been issued for disruptive rainfall expected to impact most of KZN tomorrow, excluding the extreme southern and eastern parts.
The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to take extra precautions.
In a statement, the City highlighted that “widespread showers and thundershowers are forecast between Wednesday, 2pm and Thursday, 4am, with high-intensity storm cells expected to affect all areas of the Municipality.”
These storms are anticipated to lead to “localised flooding, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of mud-based houses,” according to the statement.
The municipality said its Disaster Management Centre is on high alert, monitoring the situation closely.
The City advised residents to remain indoors if possible and avoid travelling unless necessary.
“Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe following distance on wet roads,” the municipality emphasised.
“The City advises residents to stay indoors and not to attempt crossing flooded areas,” the statement added.
In case of emergencies in eThekwini, residents can contact the Disaster Management Centre at 031 361 0000.
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