Warning over severe storm brewing in South Africa
Residents are advised to stay indoors as heavy rains are expected to be accompanied by excessive lightning across parts of Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.
This is according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which issued both level 1 and level 2 alerts.
The level 2 warning signalled the likelihood of localised damage to infrastructure, informal settlements, vehicles, property and livestock.
These storms may also disrupt essential municipal services, affect agricultural production and bring large amounts of hail.
Areas at particular risk include Gauteng, the extreme southern and escarpment regions of Limpopo, and the Highveld and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga.
According to SAWS, the combination of heavy rainfall, lightning and hail poses multiple hazards, including slippery roads, limited visibility, localised flooding of low-lying areas and bridges, and an increased chance of motor vehicle accidents.
Flying debris may result in injuries, and lightning could trigger fire incidents. The weather service has emphasised that residents should not attempt to cross swollen streams and should monitor the SAWS website or the WeatherSmart app for real-time updates.
SAWS has encouraged the public to use the storm-tracking feature on the app to stay informed as conditions evolve.
These warnings come as insurers report a notable rise in weather-related damage across South Africa.
Standard Insurance Limited’s latest five-year review shows that storm-related incidents have become the leading driver of short-term insurance claims.
Extreme weather events are now common enough to account for roughly 25% of all claims, surpassing theft, fire and accidental damage.
The report highlighted patterns of hailstorms repeatedly affecting Gauteng, while KwaZulu-Natal continues to face significant flooding risks, and the Western Cape remains vulnerable to wind-driven wildfires.
Nedbank has echoed these concerns, noting that while South Africa has always experienced weather extremes, the climate crisis is amplifying their frequency and severity.
How to prepare
Flash floods, severe hailstorms and powerful wind gusts are becoming more common, with each event creating greater financial strain for households and businesses.
The bank cautioned that although many South Africans have insurance cover, policies often include exclusions or conditions that limit claims linked to flood or hail damage.
As a result, homeowners and business owners are being encouraged to review their insurance documents to ensure their cover is adequate and to understand any preventative measures required by insurers for claims to be valid.
With hailstorms expected in some of the affected provinces, motorists are being urged to take particular care on the roads.
If caught in a hailstorm, drivers should slow down and look for a covered area such as a petrol station canopy, an overpass or a parking structure.
If no safe shelter is available, remaining inside the vehicle is the safest option, and motorists can take additional steps such as using blankets from the boot to protect the car’s exterior or placing floor mats over the bonnet and roof to help reduce hail damage.
After the storm, it is important to thoroughly document any damage to mirrors, lights, windows and the body of the vehicle to support an insurance claim.
Homeowners can also take simple but effective measures to limit storm-related damage. Clearing gutters helps prevent water overflow and reduces the risk of leaks caused by heavy rain.
Trimming branches that hang over roofs can minimise the chances of falling limbs during strong winds.
Keeping curtains or blinds closed during hailstorms can protect occupants from broken glass.
Parking vehicles in garages or under covered areas remains one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to hail.
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