As residents endure sweltering heat, it would appear that stormy weather is set to impact various towns across KwaZulu-Natal. As a result, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 Warning for Severe Thunderstorms set to hit on Tuesday, 19 March 2024.
According to SAWS, severe thunderstorms packing damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail, and heavy downpours are expected across the northern to north-western and central areas of the province.
This severe weather could cause significant damage to infrastructure, homes, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock.
Additionally, SAWS highlighted the potential for flooding on vulnerable roads, along with the risks of injuries and even fatalities due to lightning strikes. Power surges, a consequence of excessive lightning, also pose a serious threat.
Furthermore, the weather service predicted that the tumultuous weather would arrive in the late afternoon and persist until around 11 pm.
According to the weather service, the following KZN towns are forecast to be impacted:
- Newcastle
- Vryheid
- Ladysmith
- Indaka
- Dannhauser
- eDumbe
- Utrecht
- Dundee
- Estcourt
- Impendle
- Giants Castle
- Mooi River
- Msinga
- Nkandla
- Nongoma
- Nquthu
- Bergville
- The Msunduzi
- Ulundi
- uMngeni
- uMshwathi
- uMvoti
- Pongola
Given the potential impacts of these severe thunderstorms, SAWS urged communities to exercise caution, particularly when travelling across bridges and roads in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and sinkholes.
Moreover, residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities to reduce the risk of injuries or worse from lightning, hail, and flooding.
With SAWS issuing a warning for inclement weather, communities need to remain vigilant and heed the advice provided.
What are your thoughts on the above-mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 1
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