Prepare for severe storms: SA Weather Service warns of Orange Level 5 alert in KwaZulu-Natal
Parts of KwaZulu-Natal are bracing for severe thunderstorms after SAWS issued an Orange Level 5 warning, cautioning residents about flooding, hail and dangerous lightning.
Image: Pexels
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 5 warning for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), cautioning that severe thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of the province until midnight on Sunday.
The warning is valid from 1p.m. on Sunday, February 8, until 11:59 p.m. and includes the risk of heavy downpours, strong and damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning.
According to SAWS, affected areas include Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Dannhauser, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (Underberg), eMadlangeni, eNdumeni, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele (Estcourt and Sobabili), Mkhambathini, Mpofana (Giants Castle and Mooi River), Msinga, Newcastle, Okhahlamba, Ray Nkonyeni, Richmond, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Umdoni, uMngeni, uMshwathi, uMuziwabantu, Umvoti, uMzimkhulu and uMzumbe.
SAWS said scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected across most parts of KZN on Sunday, with some storms becoming severe over the western and southern regions.
Rainfall in excess of 50 millimetres is possible, along with damaging winds, hail and frequent lightning.
The weather service warned that the expected impacts include flooding of settlements, which may result in the displacement of communities; danger to life due to fast-flowing rivers and streams; mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion; and flooding of roads and damage to bridges, potentially leading to road closures and traffic disruptions.
Residents are advised, where possible, to remain indoors and off the roads, particularly in areas prone to sinkholes or potholes.
The South African Weather Service has warned of severe thunderstorms over parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with heavy rain, damaging winds and flooding expected until midnight on Sunday.
Image: Supplied/SAWS
SAWS also urged people to avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams and, if trapped by floodwaters, to abandon vehicles and move to higher ground.
Homeowners are encouraged to place valuables above anticipated flood levels.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has placed provincial disaster management teams on high alert following the SAWS weather outlook.
Buthelezi said the province faces a dual threat, with a Level 5 severe thunderstorm warning for western and southern regions and a Level 2 warning for the remainder of the province.
Emergency response units have been instructed to prioritise and closely monitor high-risk districts where heavy rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres, hail and damaging winds are expected.
The Crocodile Bridge Gate in the Kruger National Park (KNP) is poised to welcome back day visitors on Thursday, 22 January 2026, following a period of severe weather that has affected wide areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Disaster management teams in KwaZulu-Natal have been placed on high alert following an Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms across the western and southern parts of the province.
Image: Kruger National Park / X
These include the uMgungundlovu District (Msunduzi, uMshwathi, uMngeni, Mpofana, Impendle, Richmond and Mkhambathini); the uThukela District (Alfred Duma, Inkosi Langalibalele and Okhahlamba); the Amajuba District (Newcastle, Dannhauser and eMadlangeni); the uMzinyathi District (Msinga, Umvoti and eNdumeni); the Harry Gwala District (Greater Kokstad, uMzimkhulu, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and uMuziwabantu); and the Ugu District (Ray Nkonyeni, uMzumbe, uMdoni and uBuhlebezwe).
A Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms remains in place for the rest of KwaZulu-Natal, including the eThekwini metro, iLembe, King Cetshwayo and Zululand districts.
“While the impact is expected to be less severe than in Level 5 areas, the risk of localised flooding and lightning strikes remains high,” Buthelezi said.
He urged residents across the province to take necessary safety precautions to protect themselves and their families.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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