On Wednesday, 14 December 2022 the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning which states that scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected over most parts of KZN from Wednesday afternoon until 11 pm.
SAWS stated that some of these storms are expected to evolve over the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, becoming severe.
Moreover, the weather service said, “Some of these areas have received significant rain over the past few days, meaning the ground is saturated and more rain may result in flooding. The storms are also expected to be accompanied by excessive lightning, hail and strong damaging winds.”
Potential effects resulting from the inclement weather include:
- Localised flooding of settlements, low lying roads and bridges.
- Localised damage to infrastructure.
- Severe lightning can possibly result in localised fire incidents, as well as injuries to humans and livestock.
- Difficult driving conditions leading to minor vehicle accidents.
- Localised damage to property and infrastructure, due to hail and flying debris.
Areas expected to be impacted by the weather include:
- Newcastle
- Utrecht
- Dannhauser
- Dundee
- Nquthu
- Msinga
- Vryheid
- eDumbe
- Ladysmith
- Bergville
- Estcourt
- uMngeni
- Richmond
- Msunduzi
- Mpofona
- Impendle
- Umzimkhulu
- Greater Kokstad
- Dr Nkosozana Dlamini Zuma
Additionally, if the weather service’s predictions ring true, Newcastillians should expect wet weather conditions for the next three months.
In a statement on Tuesday, 13 December 2022, KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said that according to predictions, heavy rains are expected to return over the weekend.
“The weather service (SAWS) has cautioned us that for the next three months, the province is likely to receive more rain. The Disaster teams have since been placed on full alert and all joint operation centres activated,” said the Premier.
With further rains expected, what are your thoughts?
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