Dark clouds are gathering across the KwaZulu-Natal skyline, offering a temporary respite from the persistent heat. However, residents in several communities across the province are being urged to exercise caution, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for Severe Thunderstorms affecting extensive areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
The inclement weather, forecast for Tuesday afternoon, 9 December 2025, is being driven by a surface trough anchored over central South Africa.
This system is expected to produce scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers across the province into the night.
According to SAWS, many of these weather systems are predicted to intensify into severe thunderstorms, particularly over western and central districts, bringing heavy rainfall, damaging winds, frequent lightning, and large hail.
The weather service has warned that these severe thunderstorms could result in localised damage to infrastructure, as well as both formal and informal settlements. Additionally, roads, low-lying areas, and bridges are at risk of flooding. Reduced visibility and slippery surfaces are expected to increase the likelihood of motor-vehicle accidents, while flying debris poses a direct threat to both people and livestock.
The towns expected to experience the severe thunderstorms include:
- Escourt
- Ladysmith
- Dannhauser
- Underberg
- Paulpietersburg
- Utrecht
- Dundee
- Ethekwini
- Kokstad
- Vryheid
- Giants Castle
- Mooi River
- Msinga
- Newcastle
- Nongoma
- Nquthu
- Mzunduzi
- Sobalili
- KwaDukuza
- Impendle
- Ingwe
With these severe thunderstorms forecast to affect multiple parts of the province on Tuesday, authorities are urging the public to heed the warning. The call for vigilance comes as the Endumeni Municipality in Dundee reported on Tuesday afternoon that it had entered the third day of the ongoing search for a 35-year-old woman who was swept away during the heavy rains and flooding on Saturday evening, 6 December 2025. The incident occurred in Ward 4 of Dundee, where intense stormwater flows carried her away.
As confirmed by the Endumeni Municipality’s Communications Unit, Endumeni Mayor, Cllr Mkhize, along with Municipal Councillors, are actively on the ground supporting the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, the Disaster Management Team, and all other stakeholders engaged in the operation.
“Specialised K9 Units from Vryheid and Richards Bay have also joined the operation, working tirelessly alongside all teams to assist in locating the missing woman. The Municipality extends its sincere gratitude to every member of the search teams for their commitment, cooperation, and resilience. Our thoughts remain with the family during this painful and uncertain time, and we urge the community to keep them in their prayers,” noted the Municipality’s Communications Unit.
In light of the expected severe thunderstorms, safety remains the foremost concern for communities across KwaZulu-Natal, and authorities are therefore urging residents to take precautionary measures to protect themselves, their families, and their property as the weather system continues to affect the province. Moreover, staying informed and prepared can help reduce the risk of accidents and damage during these adverse conditions.
Therefore, residents are advised to remain indoors wherever possible and to avoid unnecessary travel, while also exercising extreme caution when navigating flooded or slippery roads. In addition, community members should secure loose objects around their properties to minimise the risk of injury or damage from strong winds and flying debris.
Stay safe and do not forget to read, Your Comprehensive Guide to SAWS’ Colour-Coded Weather Warnings, to better understand SAWS warning system.
