Weather warning: KZN prepares for strong winds and choppy seas
Potentially damaging winds and choppy seas have been forecast for KwaZulu-Natal this week.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal is expected to experience strong and potentially damaging winds and rough seas on Wednesday.
The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said a Level 2 weather warning was issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for damaging winds that are expected to affect both coastal and inland districts, including Harry Gwala, uMgungundlovu, uThukela, Amajuba, uMzinyathi, and Zululand.
According to SAWS, “Damaging winds leading to localised runway fires, damage to settlements, and damage to temporary structures are expected over the western and southern parts of KZN tomorrow.”
For coastal areas between Port Edward in the south and Kosi Bay in the north, damaging winds and waves have been forecast which could lead to difficulty in navigation, localised disruption of harbours/ports, and localised disruptions to beachfront activities.
Cogta said the forecasted impacts include possible disruptions to road travel due to crosswinds and debris, localised damage to temporary structures, especially in coastal regions, and potential service disruptions caused by uprooted trees damaging powerlines. Maritime activities could also be affected, with warnings of sea spray along coastal roads and beachfronts.
KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has called for public vigilance. “We strongly advise the public to exercise extreme caution and take necessary safety precautions during this period, especially motorists and those at sea,” said Buthelezi.
He further urged residents in the affected areas to take the weather alerts seriously. “All residents within the identified districts must heed these warnings and secure their safety and property,” Buthelezi added.
The Department said that disaster management teams across the province have been activated to respond rapidly to any emergencies that may arise.
“The Cogta Department will maintain close monitoring of the situation and provide updates as required,” the statement said.
The province is still recovering from previous weather-related disasters. Coastal municipalities have been advised to prepare for possible disruptions to port activities, while rural areas prone to veld fires have been cautioned due to the increased risk from strong winds.