Following days of unrelenting and blistering heat, the weather is poised for a dramatic shift as a powerful storm brews on the horizon. This follows a crucial announcement from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which has issued a Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms expected to impact a host of KZN towns.
The thunderstorms are forecast to erupt on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, persisting through to late Wednesday night, 27 November 2024.
According to SAWS, scattered showers and thunderstorms will begin over the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday afternoon. As per the weather service, these storms are likely to be accompanied by damaging winds, intense lightning, hail, and torrential downpours, potentially leading to localised impacts across the region.
In its advisory, SAWS further warned of an upper trough dominating into Wednesday, bringing severe thunderstorms with heavy rains that could result in flooding in various parts of KZN.
The anticipated impacts of this severe weather include:
- Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, and livestock.
- Localised injuries and risks to life due to lightning.
- Short-term disruptions to municipal and other essential services.
- Flooding of vulnerable roads, low-lying areas, and bridges.
Communities in the following towns and cities are expected to feel the effects of these severe thunderstorms:
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Dannhauser
- Underberg
- Utrecht
- Dundee
- Estcourt
- Giants Castle
- Mooi River
- eThekwini
- Greater Kokstad
- Impendle
- Indaka
- Sibaili
- KwaDukuza
- Mkhambathi
- Msinga
- Ndwedwe
- Okhahlamba
- The Msunduzi
- Richmond
Due to the nature of the impending storms, the South African Weather Service has urged residents to take every precaution as the storms approach. Communities are advised to avoid crossing bridges and roads in low-lying areas, as these are particularly susceptible to flooding and may even develop sinkholes.
Furthermore, SAWS has issued a strong appeal for people to avoid outdoor activities, as the combination of lightning, hail, and flooding poses significant risks of injury and death. Residents are encouraged to remain indoors, away from windows, wherever possible.
In addition to ensuring personal safety, the weather service has stressed the importance of sheltering pets, livestock, and vehicles to protect them from the storm’s damaging effects.
As these severe thunderstorms approach, what are your thoughts on the South African Weather Service’s warnings and the impending weather conditions? Share your views in the comment section below.
