The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several weather warnings for several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape, over the course of the weekend.
The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 4 Warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
“Severe thunderstorms leading to flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges as well as strong damaging winds and hail, resulting in damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock [are] expected over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” the weather service said in an update.
In addition, the weather service said hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has urged residents to stay alert. According to the provincial government, the warning is in place from 2 pm on Saturday until Sunday, 29 March.
“Heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and severe lightning are expected, posing risks of flooding, infrastructure damage, and dangerous travel conditions, especially in the north-eastern parts of the province.
“Stay indoors where possible, avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to cross rivers or streams. Your safety comes first, stay alert and follow official updates,” the department said.
Meanwhile, the SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads, and bridges. This also includes strong, damaging winds and hail over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, central parts, and eastern parts of Free State, as well as in places over KwaZulu-Natal, except in the north-east.
A Yellow Level 1 Warning for severe thunderstorms has also been issued for the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. According to the service, the rains could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as strong, damaging winds and hail, resulting in localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock. -SAnews.gov.za
