SAWS Issues Yellow Level 4 Warning for Severe Thunderstorms Across KZN

Provincial Disaster Management Teams across KwaZulu-Natal are on high alert after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 4 Warning for severe thunderstorms expected to affect multiple towns in the province.

SAWS reported that a surface trough over the interior, combined with a surface ridge and an upper air trough over the western interior, will generate isolated to widespread showers and thundershowers over KZN on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

Some of these thunderstorms are expected to intensify over the western and southern regions of the province, bringing heavy downpours, damaging winds, intense lightning, and large hail.

With extensive parts of KwaZulu-Natal already saturated from recent rainfall, the weather service warned of several potential hazards.

These include flooding of roads, bridges, and both formal and informal settlements. Hail may cause structural damage, while lightning could trigger fires. Travel disruptions and emergency incidents are also anticipated.

The towns forecast to be affected by the storms include:

• Newcastle
• Ladysmith
• Dannhauser
• Underberg
• Utrecht
• Dundee
• Ethekwini
• Greater Kokstad
• Escourt
• Mooi River
• Ingwe
• Impendle
• Indaka
• Sobabili
• Mkhambathini
• Mpofana
• Giants Castle
• Msinga
• Ndwedwe
• Okhahlamba
• Ray Nkonyeni
• Richmond
• The Msunduzi
• uMngeni

Commenting on the forecast, the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN CoGTA) stated, “The province is currently reeling from the impact of severe weather that recently caused significant damage in areas, notably within the uMshwathi Local Municipality, where search and rescue teams are still trying to locate the bodies of two people who were swept away during Sunday’s storm. This new Level 4 warning highlights the potential for severe thunderstorms, which could lead to widespread localised flooding in low-lying areas.”

Furthermore, KZN CoGTA confirmed that all disaster teams across the affected districts have been activated to ensure a rapid and coordinated response.

“Our teams are mobilised, and we are working closely with all affected Municipalities. The recent devastation in areas like uMshwathi is a stark reminder of the power of these weather systems. We urge every resident to take this warning seriously and comply with safety instructions,” added KZN CoGTA MEC Buthelezi.

Disaster Management teams, in partnership with the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Municipal Police Services, will proactively monitor critical routes across the province, particularly those prone to flooding.

While authorities remain on standby, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre advises all residents to adhere to the following safety measures:

• Seek Higher Ground: Move to safe, elevated locations if you reside in low-lying areas.
• Do Not Cross Moving Water: Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through fast-flowing or standing water. Just 15 centimetres of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and 60 centimetres can sweep away a vehicle.
• Avoid Driving: If possible, refrain from driving during severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. If trapped, abandon your vehicle and move to higher ground if safe. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
• Electrical Safety: Be cautious of potential electrical hazards; standing water can conduct electricity. Avoid touching electrical equipment or downed power lines.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local radio and television broadcasts for continuous updates and warnings from SAWS and local authorities.
• Residents are encouraged to report emergencies to their nearest Municipal Disaster Management Centre or Emergency Services.

KwaZulu-Natal now faces a decisive period as severe thunderstorms threaten already vulnerable communities, infrastructure, and transport routes. With rivers swollen, roads at risk, and settlements exposed, the province is under a tangible threat that demands immediate attention. 

Authorities have made it clear that vigilance is essential: residents must comply with safety instructions, monitor updates, and take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

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