The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued another storm warning for several parts of the country, with homeowners warned to ensure their properties are protected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to SAWS, weather conditions over the next couple of days are expected to be partly cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across much of South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, rainfall is forecast to become widespread in KwaZulu-Natal, where the greatest risk of severe weather is concentrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weather service reported that a surface trough is sitting over the western interior of South Africa, while upper-air disturbances are occurring, and a high-pressure system covers the eastern parts of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected, with some storms likely to turn severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SAWS has issued a Level 4 warning for parts of KwaZulu-Natal and indicated a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These storms may bring heavy downpours capable of flooding low-lying areas, roads, and bridges, along with excessive lightning, damaging winds, and hail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities warned that such conditions could result in damage to infrastructure as well as formal and informal settlements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Level 2 warning has also been issued for several other provinces, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State, North West, and the Northern Cape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In these areas, thunderstorms could still lead to localised flooding and damage to infrastructure, property, vehicles, and even livestock. However, impacts are expected to be less severe than in KwaZulu-Natal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insurance experts have highlighted a growing risk to property from natural disasters, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Globally, natural disasters caused an estimated $320 billion in damages in 2024, with only about half of those losses insured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africa has not been immune to these trends. Data from the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas shows that the country has experienced 111 severe national disasters over the past 40 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n