Severe weather warning escalated to level 4 in South Africa
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has escalated the severe weather warning issued for KwaZulu-Natal to level 4, while a level 2 warning remains in place for multiple other provinces.
The weather service warned of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure and danger to life in KZN as severe thunderstorms hit the region.
The eThekwini Municipality’s Disaster Management and Emergency Services teams have also been placed on standby.
The warning is valid for Tuesday, 27 October, carrying into Wednesday, the city said.
“Heavy downpours, hail, and severe lightning are expected, which may cause flooding in settlements, roads, and bridges, damage to property and infrastructure, and poor driving conditions,” it said.
The Director of the eThekwini Disaster Management Directorate, Vincent Ngubane, urged residents to take the warning seriously.
This is especially for those in low-lying areas and informal settlements. He said residents should avoid unnecessary travel and never attempt to cross flooded rivers or roads.
Residents are advised to:
- Stay indoors and off the roads where possible;
- Never cross rivers, streams or roads where water is above ankle height;
- Abandon your vehicle and move to higher ground if trapped during a flood;
- Move valuables above the expected flood level;
- Keep children away from rivers and stormwater drains; and
- Avoid open spaces and tall trees during lightning.
The level 4 escalation followed a level 2 warning issued on Sunday for Monday.
On top of the level 4 alert for KZN, the SAWS issued a level 2 alert for the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and the lower reaches of Limpopo.
The level 2 warnings relate to localised flooding of roads, bridges, settlements and low-lying bridges due to heavy rain.
The inclement weather may also lead to localised disruptions to power supply and communications, localised traffic disruption, and disruption to municipal services due to lightning activity, the SAWS said.
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