After several days of rainfall and cooler-than-average weather, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has urged residents across KwaZulu-Natal to exercise caution, issuing a Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms expected to impact multiple towns and cities on Tuesday afternoon, 18 November 2025.
According to SAWS, a surface trough over the interior, supported by an upper trough, will generate isolated to scattered thunderstorms across KwaZulu-Natal, with some storms expected to intensify significantly.
The service further warned that severe storms in western regions may bring heavy rainfall, strong damaging winds, intense lightning, and large quantities of small hail, posing a serious threat to communities, infrastructure, and road users.
The weather service also warned that the storms may cause localised flooding on vulnerable roads and bridges, damage property, and create hazardous driving conditions, especially on dirt and tar roads where visibility can drop sharply. In addition, both small and large hail may affect open areas, further heightening the risk to residents and vehicles.
The towns and cities currently identified as being within the projected path of the thunderstorms include:
- Newcastle
- Vryheid
- Ladysmith
- Dannhauser
- Underberg
- Utrecht
- Dundee
- Escourt
- Greater Kokstad
- Mooi River
- Ingwe
- Nquthu
- Okhahlamba
- uMgeni
- Umzimkhulu
- Impendle
- Sobabili
- Msinga
- eDumbe
- Indaka
With thunderstorms expected to intensify during the afternoon, SAWS has strongly urged residents to avoid travelling on low-lying roads and bridges, which may be prone to flooding or the formation of sinkholes.
The weather service also cautioned against outdoor activities, warning that lightning strikes, hail, and flash flooding can cause serious injury or even death. Residents are advised to remain indoors, away from windows, and to ensure that pets, livestock, and vehicles are secured in safe shelters to prevent damage or harm.
Be sure to read, Storm Reveals Cracks: Newcastle Municipality’s Preparedness Unravels Amid Drainage Failures, if you missed it.
To learn more about SAWS colour code system, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SAWS Level 2 Severe Thunderstorm Warning in KwaZulu-Natal
A Level 2 warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) indicates that severe weather conditions are expected that may cause damage to infrastructure, hazardous driving conditions, and potential risk to life. Residents should exercise caution and follow all safety advisories.
The Level 2 warning affects multiple towns, including Newcastle, Vryheid, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Underberg, Utrecht, Dundee, Escourt, Greater Kokstad, Mooi River, Ingwe, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, uMgeni, Umzimkhulu, Impendle, Sobabili, Msinga, eDumbe, and Indaka. Residents in these areas should remain alert to changing weather conditions.
The storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong damaging winds, intense lightning, and both small and large hail, which may lead to flash flooding, road closures, slippery surfaces, and potential damage to property and vehicles.
Residents are advised to avoid travelling on low-lying roads and bridges, remain indoors away from windows, and secure pets, livestock, and vehicles in safe shelters. It is also important to avoid outdoor activities during the storms to minimise the risk of injury.
