The public is advised to take heed of a weather warning issued by the South African Weather Services (Saws) for Wednesday and Thursday.
This prediction model forecasts a severe orange level 5 with widespread showers and thunderstorms over the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal between Wednesday at 2pm and Thursday at 4am.
Other provinces that are to expect storms are Gauteng, the North West, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Saws said high-intensity cells are expected to arrive from the west, hitting all sections of the eThekwini Municipality during the night.
The eThekwini Disaster Management Centre said: "Some of these thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by disruptive rain leading to localised flooding. This warning may result in the flooding of roads and settlements, poor driving conditions, damage to infrastructure, and the destruction of mud-based houses.
"Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe following distance while driving on wet roads."
When driving on wet roads, motorists should use extra caution and maintain a safe following distance.
The Municipality's Disaster Management Centre and other emergency services are on alert and watching the prediction, which is still susceptible to change. Updates will be given accordingly.
The City recommends citizens to be cautious, remain home if possible, and avoid travelling unless absolutely essential. The public is warned not to attempt to cross rivers or streams.
However, the rest of the country should expect relatively hot conditions with some areas in the Northern Cape given veld fire warnings.
"Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of animal and human life," Saws warned.
These areas include:
- Tsantsabane
- Emthanjeni
- Siyancuma
- ǃKheis
IOL