Residents across northern and western KwaZulu-Natal have been placed on high alert after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a formal severe thunderstorm warning for the region, with storms expected to begin this afternoon and continue into the late hours of Thursday, 20 November 2025.
SAWS attributes the unsettled conditions to a persistent surface trough over the central interior, which will generate widespread scattered showers and thundershowers across KwaZulu-Natal today.
Forecasters have emphasised, however, that in the north-western areas several of these storms are likely to escalate rapidly into severe thunderstorms capable of causing disruptions.
According to the SAWS bulletin, the main hazards include heavy downpours, large hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning. In combination, these pose a clear risk of localised damage to infrastructure and to both formal and informal settlements. Sudden flash flooding is also a major concern for susceptible roads, low-lying bridges, and communities.
SAWS has further highlighted the likelihood of significant hail accumulation in open areas, together with reduced visibility and slippery roads that will create hazardous driving conditions during this severe thunderstorm event in KwaZulu-Natal.
The municipalities and towns most directly in the path of the severe weather are:
- Vryheid
- Ladysmith
- Newcastle
- Dannhauser
- Utrecht
- Dundee
- Estcourt
- Sobabili
- Msinga
- Nquthu
- Ulundi
- Pongola
- Okhahlamba
- eDumbe
- Indaka
Furthermore, SAWS has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly by avoiding rivers and low-lying roads that could flood suddenly or develop sinkholes. The public has also been advised to postpone all outdoor activities because of the genuine risk of injury or death from lightning, hail, or fast-rising water during these severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal.
Wherever possible, people are encouraged to stay indoors while the storms pass and to move pets, livestock, and vehicles to secure, sheltered locations to protect them from hail, strong gusts, and wind-borne debris.
Local disaster management centres are monitoring developments closely, yet the effectiveness of the response ultimately depends on residents acting promptly on the official guidance.
By staying informed, restricting unnecessary movement, and completing basic protective measures now, communities in the affected areas can significantly reduce the likelihood of damage, injury, or loss during the coming hours.
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2 Responses
Thank you the warning so that we can inform others
It is only a pleasure! Have a great day!