Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for KwaZulu-Natal: what you need to know

Durban — The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued two severe thunderstorm warnings for KwaZulu-Natal.

A yellow Level 2 for severe thunderstorms warning and an orange Level 5 for severe thunderstorms have been issued for Tuesday from the afternoon.

About the yellow Level 2 warning, areas including Big Five Hlabisa - Hlabisa, Big Five Hlabisa - Hluhluwe, Inkosi Langalibalele - Estcourt, Inkosi Langalibalele - Sobabili, Jozini, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mpofana - Mooi River, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Okhahlamba, uMhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and uMvoti, may be affected with damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail and heavy downpours are expected over most parts of KZN except the north-eastern parts on Tuesday, but over the northern parts on Wednesday.

“Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KZN today (Tuesday) and some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe over the northern parts today (Tuesday) and may be accompanied by large amounts of small hail, damaging winds, excessive lightning, and heavy downpours which may lead to localised impacts,” Saws said.

Impacts include:

• Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, vehicles and livestock.
• Localised injuries and danger to life due to lightning.
• Localised and short-term disruption to municipal and other essential services.
• Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.

Saws urged residents to take caution or avoid travelling on bridges and roads in low-lying areas as these may be susceptible to flooding and there may be sinkholes. Avoid outdoor activities as lightning, hail and flooding may cause injuries and death. If possible, stay indoors well clear of windows, shelter pets and cover vehicles. Move livestock and cars to safe sheltered areas as there may be flying debris.

Concerning the Level 5 warning, Saws said areas including Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma - Indaka, Alfred Duma - Ladysmith, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Msinga, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi and uPhongolo can expect “disruptive rain leading to flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, displacement of affected communities is expected along the south coast and adjacent interior tomorrow (Wednesday)”.

“Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KZN today (Tuesday) and some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe over the northern parts today (Tuesday) and may be accompanied by large amounts of small hail, damaging winds, excessive lightning and heavy downpours which may lead to localised impacts.”

The service said significant rainfall was observed on Monday, leaving some communities vulnerable.

Saws said that this could lead to the following:

• Flooding of settlements may lead to displacement of affected communities.
• Danger to life due, for example, to fast-flowing river streams.
• Poor driving conditions leading to minor vehicle accidents.
• Flooding of roads and damage to bridges may lead to road closure and the disruption of traffic flow.

Saws urged residents to, where it is safe, to stay indoors and off the road (in the road stretch where there may be sinkholes and/or potholes). Avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams. If trapped in floods, leave the vehicle and climb to higher ground. In buildings (at home), place valuables above the expected flood level where they will be safe.

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