Government

Another level 4 severe storm warning for South Africa, with hail and lightning hitting

Staff Writer

 ·2 Nov 2026

The South African Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, warning of storms hitting the country.

The scale of the warnings runs from level 2 in Gauteng to level 4 in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, with level 2 in effect in KZN.

The warnings are in effect until 22h00 on Tuesday, 3 November.

According to SAWS, the level 4 warning concerns severe thunderstorms across the provinces, raising the alarm for flash flooding and danger to life.

The weather service said the storms could also damage property and infrastructure and lead to poor driving conditions.

On the weather service’s level matrix, a level 4 warning indicates “low likelihood, but a significant impact” of the weather effects occurring.

It recommended that residents in the affected areas remain indoors and stay off the roads. It also urged people to avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams.

“If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level,” it said.

In rural areas, it recommended that residents move livestock to higher ground and urged everyone to take caution when travelling on roads.

In Gauteng, the warnings (at land 2) include hail. A level 2 warning indicates a “high likelihood, and a minor impact” of the weather effects occurring.

Here, the SAWS warned of damage from wind and hail, on top of flooding at low-water bridges and in susceptible settlements.

It also warned of disruptions to power supply and communications, which are common impacts when storms hit major metros like Johannesburg and Tshwane.

“Seek safe shelter from hail and lightning. Drive carefully. Stay away from flooded areas,” it said.

The warnings were echoed by official government communication channels, with the Government Communications and Information Service (GCIS) also issuing an alert.

“Government urges communities to remain alert and exercise caution,” it said, adding that voters and election officials should take the forecasts into account when planning their activities this week.

If the severe storms persist, the GCIS said voters should take an umbrella or raincoat wherever thundershowers are forecast, and watch out for specific alerts in their area.

“SAWS will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the voting period and issue severe weather warnings and advisories as needed,” it said.