Heavy rain, damaging winds and lightning set to slam KZN.
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KwaZulu-Natal is bracing for a night of dangerous storms after the provincial government sounded the alarm over a powerful weather system expected to lash large parts of the province on Friday.
The province's MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has placed disaster teams across the province on high alert after the South African Weather Service (Saws) issued a Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms.
The warning, which is for Friday, predicts a cold front combined with a ridging high-pressure system could trigger widespread thunderstorms, heavy rain, damaging winds and intense lightning from midday until midnight.
"We are taking no chances with this Level 4 alert. I have directed the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to coordinate with all District Disaster Hubs to ensure that our teams are ready to respond to any emergencies," said Buthelezi.
"Our disaster management personnel are currently on high alert across the province."
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre warned that the storms could cause flooded roads, washed-away bridges and serious damage to homes, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Several areas are considered especially at risk, including eThekwini, Newcastle, Ladysmith (Alfred Duma), Port Shepstone (Ray Nkonyeni) and Pietermaritzburg (uMsunduzi), along with parts of the Midlands and coastal regions.
The violent weather could put lives in danger and damage critical infrastructure if residents are not careful.
Officials have urged people to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary, warning that flooded roads and fast-flowing water crossings could become deadly traps.
Residents are also being told not to attempt to cross flooded rivers or streams, even if the water appears shallow.
The department said homeowners should secure loose objects around their properties and move livestock to higher ground ahead of the storm.
People are also being warned about the risk of lightning strikes and urged to stay indoors during the storms.
"Stay indoors, away from windows, and avoid using metal objects like umbrellas, golf clubs, or fishing rods," he cautioned.
He appealed to residents living in low-lying areas to act quickly if water levels begin rising, warning them not to wait and to move to higher ground immediately if they notice flooding.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre said it will continue closely monitoring weather patterns over the next 24 hours as the storm system moves across the province.
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