Severe weather warning for South Africa upgraded to level 6 – with floods expected
The South African Weather Service has warned of a level six severe weather warning for parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including Durban.
The severe weather warning is for heavy and disruptive rainfall forecast for the area, which could cause flooding and other hazards.
SAWS warned that the expected heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying and residential areas, including informal settlements.
It could also lead to fast-flowing streams and deep water, which can pose a hazard and threaten life.
The rainfall could also cause localised damage to residential areas, municipal infrastructure, and livestock, according to SAWS.
The eThekwini municipality warned that people should avoid flood-prone roads and low-lying areas on Thursday, 17 September and Friday, 18 September.
“The warning is active from 00h00 on Thursday, 17 September, until 23h59 on Friday, 18 September 2026, covering the eThekwini metro and surrounding municipalities across southern KwaZulu-Natal,” it said.
The heavy rainfall is expected due to a combination of a strong ridging high-pressure system and a coastal low-pressure system, as well as a cut-off low over the interior.
“Together, these systems are expected to bring widespread, heavy rainfall to the region over the two-day period,” The eThekwini municipality said.
It said that it had placed emergency responders on high alert following the SAWS announcement and has activated its disaster management centre.
“The eThekwini Municipality has activated its Disaster Management Centre and placed Fire and Emergency Services, alongside all key Municipal frontline units, on high alert following a Level 6 Impact-Based Warning for disruptive rainfall,” the municipality said.
“The Municipality reassures residents that operational teams, including Fire, Disaster Management and Metro Police Directorates, are fully mobilised.”
“Municipal crews will continuously monitor high-risk zones, waterways, and infrastructure historically vulnerable to flooding.”
The municipality also said that residents living in low-lying areas should identify higher ground before flooding occurs and establish evacuation routes.
It warned that people should drive with extreme caution during the period due to poor driving conditions and potential road flooding.
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