KwaZulu-Natal on alert as Level 2 and Level 4 weather warnings take effect this weekend

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has urged residents to exercise extreme caution as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued concurrent Level 2 and Level 4 severe weather warnings across the province.

The warnings are in effect from Saturday until November 17 2025, with a cut-off low pressure system forecast to bring heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and strong winds to several regions.

According to the department, the Level 4 warning affects the following municipalities: Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma (Underberg), eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele (Estcourt and Sobabili), Jozini, Mpofana (Giants Castle and Mooi River), Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Richmond, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, uMngeni, and uMshwathi.

The Level 2 warning, indicating a moderate level of risk, applies to Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, and Umzumbe.

MEC for COGTA, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has appealed to residents to remain vigilant during the three-day period of adverse weather.

“Residents are advised 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,” said Buthelezi.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has been activated, and all municipal disaster management units are on high alert. COGTA is coordinating efforts with the KZN Department of Transport, the Department of Social Development, the Road Traffic Inspectorate and municipal traffic services, SANRAL, and Eskom to prepare for potential emergencies such as flooded roads, damaged infrastructure, and power outages.

Authorities warn that cut-off low pressure systems have previously caused severe damage in the province. In April 2022, a similar system resulted in catastrophic flooding, widespread destruction, and loss of life.

Potential hazards associated with the current weather alerts include:

• Flooding of homes, informal settlements, and low-lying areas
• Severe thunderstorms with strong winds, hail, and lightning
• Disruption to essential services including electricity and water supply
• Dangerous driving conditions and reduced visibility

Residents are urged to monitor updates from SAWS and COGTA, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and report emergencies to their nearest disaster management centre.

The department says it will continue to track the system closely and remains committed to safeguarding communities across KwaZulu-Natal.

IOL