Severe thunderstorms and damaging winds expected in KZN

The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Level 2 weather warning for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for severe thunderstorms and strong, damaging winds. 

The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has called for heightened vigilance from residents and motorists across the province.

This follows early morning thunderstorms, a Level 2 weather warning for damaging winds remains active, posing significant risks to human life and infrastructure.

On Wednesday, severe thunderstorms, accompanied by reports of small hail and heavy downpours, impacted several key areas, including eThekwini Metro, KwaDukuza, Mkhambathini, Ndwedwe, Richmond, Msunduzi, Umngeni, and uMshwathi.

Buthelezi has urged the public to remain extremely cautious as conditions could deteriorate further.

“Our priority is the safety of our citizens. Disaster Management teams are already on the ground, monitoring the evolving weather patterns and responding to incidents. We appeal to everyone to heed the warnings, avoid unnecessary travel, and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property,” Buthelezi said. 

The damaging winds, which are the primary concern under the Level 2 warning, are expected to have a broad impact. 

Residents in the following areas are specifically advised to be vigilant due to the heightened danger posed by strong winds: Abaqulusi, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Big Five Hlabisa, Ethekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Mfolozi, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, uMlalazi, Newcastle, and Nquthu.

The potential impacts of these damaging winds include:

• Disruption to roads: Crosswinds and fallen objects could severely impede traffic flow and create hazardous driving conditions.
• Localised disruptions to ports: Small vessels may face significant difficulty in navigation, and port operations could be affected.
• Localised damage to temporary structures: Structures, particularly those along coastal areas, are vulnerable to damage.
• Coastal routes and communities affected by sea spray: Coastal areas may experience heavy sea spray, impacting visibility and potentially affecting communities.

“In addition to the wind warnings, Disaster Management teams are responding to a veld fire located approximately 17km from Vryheid on the R33. Residents in this vicinity are urged to exercise extreme caution and cooperate with emergency services,” Buthelezi said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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