KZN Level 6 warning: Severe storms and flooding forecast

Disaster management teams across KwaZulu-Natal are on high alert as a potent cut-off low system threatens to lash the province with destructive weather.

The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has activated an emergency Joint Operations Centre (JOC) after weather warnings for the Zululand, uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, and Ugu districts were escalated to Level 6.

The Cogta department said that Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has placed provincial teams on alert to ensure "coordinated preparedness and response measures are immediately implemented." 

"Government’s immediate priority is the protection of communities in low-lying areas and settlements located near rivers and streams," Cogta stated.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned that a cold front, combined with the cut-off low, is expected to dump more than 80mm of rain in north-eastern and south-eastern KZN.

While the coastal and northern districts face Level 6 warnings, a Level 4 severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for the eThekwini Municipality and the Midlands. The eThekwini Municipality warned that "heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, excessive lightning, and hail" are anticipated, posing a "serious risk to life, property, and infrastructure." 

The municipality’s Disaster Management Directorate confirmed they are on high alert to respond to incidents as the system is expected to persist until Wednesday evening, May 6.

Authorities have issued a stern set of safety instructions to the public:

• On the roads: Motorists are urged to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, and "never attempt to drive through flooded roads or bridges."
• In the home: Residents should stay indoors where possible and move valuables to a safe place above expected flood levels.
• Water safety: The public is reminded not to attempt crossing swollen rivers or streams, particularly where water levels exceed ankle height.
• Lightning risks: SAWS advises staying away from metal objects and avoiding activities like golf or fishing, as clubs and rods are good conductors of electricity.

The Provincial JOC will remain active for the duration of the weather system. For emergencies within the eThekwini region, residents are urged to contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre at 031 361 0000.

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