Severe storm warning for South Africa
Many provinces across South Africa are experiencing consistent heavy rain and hail, which is leaving a trail of destruction for homeowners and motorists. Forecasters have warned of more to come.
Large parts of South Africa are likely to experience severe weather throughout the remainder of the summer season, which may include thunderstorms and even tornadoes.
As reported by News24, weather forecasters have warned that the eastern parts of the country are set to face the brunt of this extreme weather.
South African Weather Service forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela stated that tornadoes typically occur in areas experiencing severe thunderstorms, especially when moisture and heat are present.
South Africa has already seen two tornadoes in Mpumalanga on New Year’s Day, near Middelburg and Carolina, leading to a trail of destruction. Severe weather warnings were also issued for KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa’s second-largest province had already seen large-scale flooding in the popular holiday town of Margate during the festive season.
Reeona Chetty, Head of Advice at Vouch, said that homeowners and motorists may face water damage, leaks, and storm-related losses over the coming weeks amid the increased number of storms.
That said, not all water damage is covered by insurance, and consumers are often caught off guard when claims are denied.
Recent short-term insurance data shows that preparation matters. As the number of weather-related insurance claims continues to rise, so does the cost of repairs.
Chetty said that the nation’s two most populous provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, are the hardest hit by weather-related damage to homes and vehicles.
“Many people assume all water damage is accidental. In insurance terms, accidental damage generally refers to sudden incidents such as a pipe bursting or an overflowing appliance,” said Chetty.
“Maintenance-related damage refers to deterioration, ongoing leaks, and neglect. Insurers generally consider water damage claimable only when it is sudden and unforeseen.”
Thus, damage that occurs gradually or results from wear and tear or poor maintenance is likely to be excluded.
During the rainy season, the most common claims are for leaking roofs and flooding inside the home due to blocked drains and water accumulation.
That said, claims that are linked to poor upkeep are often rejected. Missing or broken tiles, loose gutters, neglected waterproofing, rust damage, or dampness are maintenance issues rather than insured events.
What South Africans should do
Chetty said that South Africans can reduce the risk of costly repairs and claim disputes by completing these simple checks:
- Check your roof to prevent leaks.
- Clear gutters and drains, as blockages can cause water to back up and enter the home.
- Watch for mould and damp, as they are signs of ongoing moisture over time.
- Prune trees and remove dead branches, as storms can bring these crashing down.
- Protect electronics and appliances to limit electrical risk.
- Consider installing power surge protection to prevent damage during lightning storms and outages.
- Monitor pools and drainage areas to prevent overflowing
- Know what your policy covers and keep it updated
- Take extra precautions when driving and park under cover to prevent hail damage
- Attend to windscreen chips early
If damage occurs, the first step is to prevent further loss where possible, without discarding evidence.
One should stop the source of water if it is safe to do so, and ensure that they photograph and video all damage clearly for claim purposes.
Repairs completed before the damage has been validated can contribute to declined claims. Where emergency repairs are unavoidable, consumers will need to keep clear documentation and proof.
“The key message for consumers is simple: the rainy season is not only a risk event, but it is also a ‘policy awareness’ moment,” said Chetty.
“Knowing what you’re covered for, keeping your policy up to date, and fixing small issues before they become major losses can prevent financial shocks and claim disputes when you need support most.”
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