Watch: Severe storms batter Durban and Pietermaritzburg

Severe storms caused widespread disruption in Durban and Pietermaritzburg last night, resulting in flooding, uprooted trees, blocked roads and infrastructure damage, with emergency and municipal teams responding across affected areas. Highway Mailreportsthat teams are clearing debris, managing waterlogged roads, and assessing damage in Westville and surrounding areas following the storm that hit Durban suburbs. According to EThekwini Municipality, 13 incidents were recorded in the Westville and Cowies Hill areas.

Heavy rains caused significant disruption, with roads submerged in places, vehicles damaged, and trees blocking key routes. Disaster management, with recreation and parks teams, were deployed and continue to respond to incidents, clear obstructions, and restore access in affected areas. The municipality urged residents to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded roads, and report hazards such as fallen trees, damaged power lines, or blocked routes through official municipal channels.

“Motorists are strongly advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, as water levels may be deeper and more dangerous than they appear,” said the metro in a statement. Marshall Security’s Andreas Mathios, who responded to some of the incidents in Westville and Cowies Hill areas, reported that the community stepped in to cut trees blocking roads. Community steps up to assist in Cowies Hill after last night’s storm damage.#HighwayMail#durbanweather#storm The Witnessreportsa severe storm also swept through Pietermaritzburg, bringing gale-force winds, heavy rain, thunder and hail.

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KwaZulu Private Ambulance spokesperson Craig Botha said emergency teams were mobilised shortly after the storm hit. “The severity of the weather system was most evident in areas such as Bishopstowe, where there were reports of a possible tornado touchdown,” said Botha. The South African Weather Service this morning confirmed to Caxton Network News thata brief tornado touched down in the area.

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