Severe storm warning for homeowners in South Africa
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 2 severe storm warning for large parts of the country, urging homeowners to prepare for damaging weather conditions.
The warning indicated the likelihood of hail, strong winds and heavy rainfall, all of which can lead to damage to property, vehicles and infrastructure, as well as disruptions to essential services.
According to the weather service, residents should be aware that flooding may occur on low-lying roads, river crossings and bridges, and are reminded not to attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas.
The areas expected to be affected include Gauteng, the southern parts of Limpopo, the North West, the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, the Free State and the southwestern regions of Mpumalanga.
KwaZulu-Natal will also see severe conditions, with the western parts of the province, including areas around Newcastle, expected to experience thunderstorms.
These conditions are forecast to continue into tomorrow, with cloudy weather and a high chance of further rainfall stretching across Gauteng, North West, the Free State and the northern Northern Cape.
Homeowners are encouraged to park vehicles under cover where possible and keep up to date with real-time weather alerts through the SAWS website and mobile app.
Staying informed is critical, as storm conditions can intensify quickly and vary between neighbourhoods.
Standard Insurance Limited’s latest five-year report highlights that storm-related incidents have now become the leading cause of short-term insurance claims in the country.
Storms and other extreme weather events have overtaken traditional claim drivers such as theft, fire and accidental damage, making up around 25% of all claims.
The report noted that while extreme weather can occur unexpectedly, the patterns are becoming more familiar.
Hailstorms are especially common in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal continues to face flooding risks, and the Western Cape remains vulnerable to wildfires driven by seasonal winds.
Always be prepared
Nedbank has noted similar trends, saying that although South Africa has always experienced weather extremes, the climate crisis is amplifying these events.
Flash floods, powerful gusts of wind and severe hailstorms are occurring more frequently and with greater impact.
The bank cautioned that although most homeowners and businesses may already have insurance, many policies contain exclusions or limitations relating to hail and flood damage.
It recommended reviewing insurance documents to ensure adequate cover and understanding any preventative measures required by insurers to validate claims.
If caught in a hailstorm while driving, motorists are advised to reduce speed and search for a safe covered area, such as an overpass, shopping centre parking structure or petrol station canopy.
If stopping is unsafe or no shelter is available, it is best to remain inside the vehicle to prevent injury.
Keeping blankets in the boot can help protect a car’s exterior in situations where shelter is not available, and even placing floor mats over the roof and bonnet can help reduce denting.
After the storm, drivers should document any damage thoroughly, including to windows, mirrors and lights, to support an insurance claim.
Homeowners can also take practical steps to reduce storm damage. Keeping gutters free of debris prevents blockages that can cause overflow and water intrusion.
Trimming overhanging branches reduces the risk of falling limbs during high winds. During hailstorms, closing curtains or blinds can help prevent injury from shattered glass.
Parking vehicles in garages or under cover is strongly recommended to minimise damage.
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