Severe storm warning for homeowners across South Africa
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning about severe thunderstorms expected to hit large parts of South Africa.
The weather service stressed that this means there is a high risk of flooding, damaging winds, hail, and intense lightning.
According to SAWS, several provinces could be affected by severe weather conditions, including Gauteng, the North West, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.
Strong winds are also forecast for parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, while hot and humid conditions are expected in KwaZulu-Natal.
The most serious alert is an Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, the western parts of the North West, and the central and eastern parts of the Free State.
SAWS warned that these storms could bring heavy downpours, leading to flooding of roads, settlements, and low-lying areas.
The storms could also produce damaging winds, heavy hail, and intense lightning, posing a risk to infrastructure and residents in affected regions.
A Yellow Level 4 warning has also been issued for severe thunderstorms across a broader area, including the central northeast of the Northern Cape.
Other areas include the south-western Free State, eastern parts of the North West, Gauteng, the western Highveld of Mpumalanga, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal excluding the far north-east.
These storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall that could lead to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, and low-lying bridges.
Strong winds, hail, and frequent lightning are also possible, increasing the risk of damage to property and power infrastructure.
A Yellow Level 2 alert for severe thunderstorms has been issued for the south-western parts of Limpopo and the eastern Highveld and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga.
These storms may also cause heavy rain, hail, and lightning that could lead to localised flooding in vulnerable areas.
Insurance warning
Along the coast, SAWS has issued a separate Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay from Friday evening into Saturday.
These conditions could make navigation difficult and pose a risk to small vessels, which may take on water or even capsize in some locations.
The weather warnings come as extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, increasing risks for homeowners, businesses, and insurers across the country.
Recent industry insights, including the Santam Insurance Barometer, have highlighted a growing concern about the impact of climate change on weather-related risks.
According to the report, 58% of personal lines brokers believe climate change is becoming an increasingly significant risk for their clients.
South African insurers have already reported a steady increase in claims related to extreme weather, particularly for flood damage, lightning-related power surges, and hail damage to homes and vehicles.
For homeowners, ensuring that insurance policies include adequate protection against extreme weather events has become increasingly important.
Coverage for floods, hailstorms, and wind damage should also be reviewed and added to the policy.
Businesses face similar risks, particularly when severe weather disrupts operations.
Insurers are increasingly offering business interruption coverage designed to help companies recover from weather-related shutdowns and damage.
Insurers are also encouraging property owners to take preventative steps to reduce their exposure to damage.
Measures such as installing surge protectors, maintaining roofs and drainage systems, and using flood barriers can help limit the impact of severe storms when they occur.
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