PICS | KZN on alert as warning for severe thunderstorms issued

KwaZulu-Natal residents have been urged to remain on high alert as the South African Weather Service (Saws) issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms expected across central parts of the province on Monday. The warning comes just a day after a violent storm lashed Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, uprooting trees, blocking major routes and damaging infrastructure. The Witnesspreviously reported that KwaZulu Private Ambulance crews were deployed to clear debris and secure affected areas after gale-force winds and heavy rain caused widespread disruption across the city.

According to Saws, the current weather system is being driven by a surface trough over the northern-central parts of the country, combined with a ridging high-pressure system in the east. This is expected to result in isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across KwaZulu-Natal, with some storms likely to become severe. “Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, excessive lightning, hail and damaging winds are expected over the central parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” Saws said.

The weather service warned that these conditions could lead to localised flooding, damage to infrastructure and hazardous travel conditions. Potential impacts include flooded roads and bridges, poor visibility for motorists, slippery driving conditions and an increased risk of minor vehicle accidents. Residents have also been cautioned about the possibility of large hail, lightning-related fires and injuries caused by flying debris. The warning also follows a confirmed short-lived tornado that developed over Bishopstowe, near Pietermaritzburg, on Sunday.