Persistent downpours saturated vast regions of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, leaving numerous communities drenched.
However, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has escalated the alert status by issuing two severe weather warnings, indicating that conditions are expected to deteriorate further.
SAWS has issued an Orange Level 5 Warning for both Wednesday, 19 February 2025, and Thursday, 20 February 2025.
According to the weather service, the north-western sectors of KZN are set to experience widespread showers and thunderstorms from Wednesday through Thursday. In fact, SAWS noted that substantial rainfall, potentially reaching up to 100mm, is anticipated in the northern parts of the province, extending along the coast and into the adjacent interior areas.
The following towns are expected to be under this severe weather warning:
- Newcastle
- Utrecht
- Nongoma
- Vryheid
- eDumbe
- Pongola
- Ulundi
- uMfolozi
- Mandeni
- KwaDukuza
- eThekwini
- Hlabisa
- Ndwedwe
As detailed by SAWS, the inclement weather could lead to:
- Flooding of roads, bridges, and both formal and informal settlements.
- Disruptions to essential services such as water, electricity, and communication.
- Danger to life from fast-flowing streams and deep water.
- Major disruptions to traffic flow due to flooded major roads.
- Damage to mud-based houses.
Furthermore, SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for other KZN areas. While the previously mentioned towns anticipate heavy downpours, the weather service forecasts widespread showers and thunderstorms in the south-western parts of KZN from Wednesday to Thursday.
SAWS highlighted that these south-western areas could see rain accumulation of at least 40mm, potentially resulting in:
- Flooding of vulnerable roads and settlements.
- Minor motor vehicle accidents due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions.
The South African Weather Service has pinpointed the following towns that will be affected by the Yellow Level warning:
- Dannhauser
- Dundee
- Ladysmith
- Estcourt
- Bergville
- Underberg
- Greater Kokstad
- Msinga
- uMvoti
Given the broad impact of the forecast weather, it is vital to stay updated through SAWS and reliable media sources for any further developments regarding weather conditions and potential impacts.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Please share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 5
How will the weather be on Wednesday in Mapphumulo.Chances of rain????
Thanks for the warning we had heavy downpour throughout Tuesday night into Wednesday morning in Durban. Seems it will continue to tomorrow
You are most welcome. Yip, looks like we are in for continued wet weather over the next few days. Stay safe.
You excluded the South Coast and it’s been bucketing down all night.
Hi Trudy, we did mention it in article. Here is a snippet regarding the South Coast,” Furthermore, SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for other KZN areas. While the previously mentioned towns anticipate heavy downpours, the weather service forecasts widespread showers and thunderstorms in the south-western parts of KZN from Wednesday to Thursday.
SAWS highlighted that these south-western areas could see rain accumulation of at least 40mm, potentially resulting in:
Flooding of vulnerable roads and settlements.
Minor motor vehicle accidents due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions.”