Level 4 storm warning issued for parts of KZN on Thursday

The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday. According to Saws, the province can expect heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning, with a risk of flooding and infrastructure damage. A severe yellow level 4 warning has been issued for the interior of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday Saws warned that thunderstorms “accompanied by heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning resulting in flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, low-lying bridges/areas, and damage to infrastructure” are expected over the interior and south coast.

Some storms are expected to intensify over the interior and south coast, bringing heavy rainfall and a higher risk of disruption. Areas likely to be impacted include Alfred Duma, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Underberg, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Escourt, Giants Castle, Mooi River, Msinga, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ray Nkonyeni, Richmond, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, uMdoni, uMngeni and uMshwathi. Residents are urged to remain indoors where possible and avoid travelling during severe weather.

Saws advised the public not to cross rivers or swollen streams where the water level is above ankle height. “If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground,” Saws said.