Severe weather warning issued for northern KwaZulu-Natal
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms expected to affect several northern KwaZulu-Natal districts today, from midday until just before midnight.
According to SAWS the warning will be valid from 12:00 until 23:59 on Monday, October 27, and covers multiple areas including:
Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, Big Five Hlabisa, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi, uMhlathuze, uPhongolo and uMlalazi
SAWS cautioned that “severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, excessive lightning, damaging winds, and hail” are expected. The service warned that these conditions “may result in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, agricultural production, and livestock.”
The impacts listed include flooding of roads and bridges, damage to both formal and informal settlements, infrastructure damage from hail, and a “danger to life due to fast-flowing water/streams.”
SAWS also warned of “major travel disruptions (including route obstructions) and incidents” as well as the “damage or loss of infrastructure and settlements.”
Residents have been advised to exercise caution and follow safety instructions. SAWS urged that, “if possible, stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles.” It further advised that “if trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground”.
The service also reminded the public to safeguard property, saying, “in buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. If possible, stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects.”
Residents in the affected districts have been urged to monitor further updates from SAWS throughout the day.