Severe thunderstorms to hit KwaZulu-Natal: Level 4 warning issued
Severe thunderstorms are forecasted for KwaZulu-Natal this Saturday, prompting a Level 4 warning from the South African Weather Service. Residents are urged to take precautions against potential flooding and damaging winds.
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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 areas of KwaZulu-Natal this Saturday.
The warning is valid from 12pm until 11:59pm on Saturday and encompasses several districts 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 should prepare for 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,” the weather service stated.
Meteorologists have indicated that a combination of a tropical temperate trough and an upper-air trough will likely lead to widespread showers and thunderstorms in various 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,” they warned.
Saws has cautioned that the anticipated impacts include flooding of roads and bridges, damage to both formal and informal settlements, travel disruptions, and an 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 are 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,” Saws advised.
The weather service will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary, urging communities and disaster management authorities to remain on high alert.