Severe Thunderstorms to Hit Newcastle and KZN Towns

Severe thunderstorms are set to sweep through KwaZulu-Natal, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, intense lightning, and hail, and communities across the province should remain vigilant.

Newcastle, Ladysmith, and Dundee are expected to experience the heaviest impacts, while surrounding towns will also face significant hazards.

Although the storms will provide temporary relief from the sweltering heat that has gripped the region in recent days, they introduce new risks that demand careful attention.

In response to the expected weather, theSouth African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms. While scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely across much of the province on Thursday, 29 January 2026, SAWS has indicated that some storms may intensify over western KwaZulu-Natal, increasing the potential for localised flooding, property damage, and transport disruptions.

Towns forecast to be most affected include:

• Newcastle
• Ladysmith
• Dannhauser
• Underberg
• Estcourt
• Dundee
• Greater Kokstad
• Mooi River
• Giants Castle
• Bergville
• Msinga
• uMgeni

In these areas, residents may face damage to infrastructure, as well as flooding of roads and bridges that are particularly vulnerable, thereby creating further challenges for travel and daily activities.

In addition, the weather service warned that slippery roads and poor visibility could contribute to a higher incidence of vehicle accidents. Consequently, motorists should exercise extreme caution, especially when crossing bridges or travelling along low-lying routes prone to flooding or sinkholes. Where possible, they should avoid travelling through these areas until conditions improve.

Beyond travel concerns, the public is strongly urged to limit outdoor activity, as exposure to lightning, hail, or floodwaters could result in serious injury or even death.

SAWS emphasised that residents should remain indoors where feasible, and ensure that pets and vehicles are safely sheltered.

These approaching storms highlight how KwaZulu-Natal’s climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, demonstrating that extreme weather events are no longer isolated incidents but recurring challenges that test both infrastructure and community preparedness.

Stay safe and be sure to read, Your Comprehensive Guide to SAWS’ Colour-Coded Weather Warnings, to better understand what the colour coded warnings mean.