Torrential rainfall struck Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 9 November 2025, causing widespread destruction and forcing residents and businesses to contend with severe disruption. Consequently, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the province faces further intense storms, threatening not only Newcastle but multiple towns across KwaZulu-Natal.
In response to the ongoing severe conditions, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, expected to move across the province from Monday afternoon, 10 November 2025, and continue into Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
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Meteorologists explained that a surface trough is deepening over the central interior, interacting with a broad upper-air trough, which is likely to trigger scattered thunderstorms. As a result, the heaviest activity is forecast for the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, while eastern areas are expected to see more isolated showers.
Some of these thunderstorms are anticipated to intensify rapidly, producing heavy rainfall, damaging winds, excessive lightning, and hail. Accordingly, SAWS has emphasised that communities in the storm’s path must brace for serious impacts, including flooding of roads, bridges, and both formal and informal settlements.
Moreover, the weather service has warned that hail could compromise infrastructure, while major travel disruptions and route blockages are likely.
In addition, fast-flowing rivers and streams pose a direct threat to lives, prompting authorities to urge residents to take all precautions seriously.
The towns and communities expected to be affected include:
- Newcastle
- Vryheid
- Dannhauser
- Underberg
- eDumbe
- Utrecht
- Greater Kokstad
- Escourt
- Mooi River
- Ladysmith
- Giants Castle
- Nquthu
- Bergville
- Msinga
- The Msunduzi
- uMngeni
- Sobabili
- Indaka
In light of the forecast, SAWS has issued clear guidance: residents should remain indoors and avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary. Furthermore, where travel is unavoidable, crossing rivers or swollen streams is strictly prohibited, particularly where water levels exceed ankle height. Motorists caught in floodwaters must abandon their vehicles immediately, and trees should not be used as shelter.
As KwaZulu-Natal braces for the continuation of severe storms, authorities have warned that the coming hours and days could see conditions worsen, placing lives, property, and infrastructure at risk.
Therefore, residents are urged to remain indoors, avoid all non-essential travel, and report any emergencies promptly to local disaster management centres to ensure rapid intervention. With rivers rising and roads under threat, adherence to official safety directives remains critical to prevent further loss and damage.
Be sure to read, Storm Devastates Newcastle: Elderly Evacuated Amid Widespread Flooding, if you missed it.
FAQs
SAWS has warned of severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds that could cause flooding and infrastructure damage across parts of the province.
Towns such as Newcastle, Vryheid, Ladysmith, Utrecht, Kokstad, and Mooi River are among those likely to experience severe conditions.
Stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and never attempt to cross flooded roads or rivers. Report any emergencies immediately to your local disaster management centre.
