Newcastillians are advised to prepare for severe thunderstorms sweeping across Northern KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. This warning comes from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which has issued an alert for Level 2 Thunderstorms expected to impact the already rain-soaked communities in the region.
According to the weather service, scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated across KZN on Wednesday, with some intensifying into severe storms in the north-western parts of the province.
“The severe thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by heavy downpours, increasing the chances of flooding since the ground is saturated and some streams may already be full, as well as hail, excessive lightning, and strong winds,” the weather service noted in a statement.
The potential impacts of these expected severe thunderstorms, as outlined by SAWS, include:
- Localised damage to infrastructure, vehicles, settlements, and livestock.
- Localised injuries and deaths due to lightning.
- Short-term disruptions to municipal and other essential services.
- Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges.
The following towns are expected to experience the brunt of this inclement weather:
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Vryheid
- Utrecht
- Dundee
- Dannhauser
- Indaka
- Nquthu
- Pongola
- Msinga
- eDumbe
Although weather patterns can shift unexpectedly, residents are strongly advised to heed these warnings. This caution follows recent responses by the Amajuba District Municipality, Newcastle Municipality, and the Disaster Response Team to numerous incidents caused by heavy rains that devastated the Amajuba District over the past weekend, leading to significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Since Monday, 13 January 2025, the Amajuba District Municipality has been managing the aftermath of the flooding around Newcastle, reporting that over 200 homes have been affected, impacting 787 individuals, with assessments by the disaster team still in progress.
Furthermore, the municipality also reported a tragic incident in Jobstown, within Newcastle’s borders, where a resident drowned over the weekend while attempting to fish for his family.
Given these circumstances, SAWS has urged communities to exercise caution or avoid travelling across bridges and roads in low-lying areas, which are prone to flooding and potential sinkholes. Outdoor activities should be minimised as lightning, hail, and flooding pose risks of injury or death. Moreover, individuals are encouraged to stay indoors, away from windows, while ensuring that pets, livestock, and vehicles are safely sheltered.
In light of these developments, communities are advised to keep abreast of weather updates from reputable sources such as the South African Weather Service and trusted media outlets.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
