Severe weather is expected to strike Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga

A severe low-pressure system is causing dangerous weather conditions across South Africa, with an Orange Level 6 severe thunderstorm warning issued for Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. while KwaZulu-Natal remains on high alert under concurrent Level 2 and Level 4 warnings.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), heavy rainfall of 100–150 mm, intense thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected from Sunday into the early hours of Monday.

The Level 6 alert highlights a high likelihood of significant impacts, including flooding of roads, damage to infrastructure, fallen trees, and disruptions to essential services.

“Rainfall accumulations of 100 to 150 mm are predicted. This may cause severe disruptions for built-up environments as well as communities living next to streams or rivers, as flooding may cause significant risk to lives,” SAWS warned.

The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has issued a public advisory following Level 2 and Level 4 warnings for the province.

COGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents to exercise extreme caution, stating:

“We advise residents to limit travel and avoid crossing low-lying bridges. Disaster management teams are on standby in all affected municipalities to respond to any incidents that may arise.”

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has been activated, and all municipal units are on high alert as widespread thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy downpours are forecast to hit KZN from Saturday through Monday.

Level 4 (Higher Risk) Municipalities include:

Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma – Indaka & Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele – Escourt & Sobabili, Jozini, Mpofana – Giants Castle & Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Richmond, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, uMngeni, uMshwathi.

Level 2 (Moderate Risk) Municipalities include:

Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Ethekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, Umzumbe.

KZN COGTA confirmed that multiple agencies are prepared for rapid response, including KZN Department of Transport, KZN Department of Social Development, Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Municipal Traffic Services, SANRAL and Eskom

These teams are ready to respond to emergencies such as road closures, damaged power lines, flash flooding, and disruptions to essential services.

Across affected regions, residents may experience:

• Flooding of homes, informal settlements, and low-lying areas
• Damaging winds, hail, and lightning
• Power outages and water supply disruptions
• Dangerous driving conditions and poor visibility
• Falling trees and debris blocking major roads

In Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, SAWS warns that flooding and severe thunderstorm impacts could persist into Monday morning, with significant risk to life and property.

Residents are strongly advised to:

• Monitor official updates from SAWS and KZN COGTA
• Follow instructions from local authorities
• Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges
• Report emergencies to local disaster management centres

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