The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 5 Warning for both Wednesday, 19 February 2025, and Thursday, 20 February 2025 for KwaZulu-Natal.
While the cooler temperatures have brough some much needed relief after the very hot summer days, residents are on high alert as the risk of potential flooding increases.
According to the weather service, the north-western sectors of the province are set to experience widespread showers and thunderstorms from Wednesday through to Thursday.
SAWS noted that substantial rainfall, potentially reaching up to 100mm, is anticipated in the northern parts of the province, extending along the coast and into the adjacent interior areas.
The following towns are expected to be under this severe weather warning:
Newcastle
Utrecht
Nongoma
Vryheid
eDumbe
Pongola
Ulundi
uMfolozi
Mandeni
KwaDukuza
eThekwini
Hlabisa
Ndwedwe
As detailed by SAWS, the inclement weather could lead to:
Flooding of roads, bridges, and both formal and informal settlements.
Disruptions to essential services such as water, electricity, and communication.
Danger to life from fast-flowing streams and deep water.
Major disruptions to traffic flow due to flooded major roads.
Damage to mud-based houses.
Furthermore, SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for other KZN areas. While the previously mentioned towns anticipate heavy downpours, the weather service forecasts widespread showers and thunderstorms in the south-western parts of KZN from Wednesday to Thursday.
SAWS highlighted that these south-western areas could see rain accumulation of at least 40mm, potentially resulting in:
Flooding of vulnerable roads and settlements.
Minor motor vehicle accidents due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions.
Heavy downpours are also expected over the Eastern Cape, Free State, North West and Mpumalanga.
Stay safe and remember to make sure that your pets are in a dry, safe environment.