Level 4 warning issued as severe thunderstorms set to batter large parts of KZN on Saturday
KwaZulu-Natal braces for severe thunderstorms this Saturday.
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The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms expected to affect large parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
The warning, issued on Friday, is valid from 12pm until 11:59pm on Saturday and covers several district and metro areas, including AbaQulusi, Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, eDumbe, Jozini, Mtubatuba, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi, uMhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.
According to Saws, the province can expect intense weather conditions driven by unstable atmospheric systems over the eastern parts of the country.
“Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail resulting in flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements are expected over central and north-eastern KZN tomorrow.”
Meteorologists said a combination of a tropical temperate trough and an upper-air trough is expected to result in widespread showers and thunderstorms, in some parts of the province.
“Some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe over central and north-eastern KZN tomorrow and are expected to be accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and large amounts of small hail resulting in significant impacts.”
Saws warned that the anticipated impacts include flooding of roads and bridges, damage to both formal and informal settlements, travel disruptions, and increased risk to motorists and pedestrians due to fast-flowing water.
Lightning strikes may also lead to fire incidents, while hail could cause damage to buildings and other infrastructure. Residents in affected areas have been urged to take precautionary measures, including limiting travel and avoiding flooded roads and swollen rivers.
“If possible, stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles.”
The weather service said it would continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary, urging communities and disaster management authorities to remain on high alert.
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