Residents of KwaZulu-Natal are warned of potential localised flooding and hazardous driving conditions as the South African Weather Service issues a yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain over the next two days. | Theo Jeptha/ Independent Newspapers
Durban — Localised flooding of roads, low-lying bridges and settlements are expected over parts of KwaZulu-Natal over two days following a yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain.
On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service (Saws) issued an impact-based warning valid for Wednesday and Thursday this week.
According to the warning, areas expected to be affected include Alfred Duma - Indaka, Alfred Duma - Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma - Underberg, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele - Estcourt, Inkosi Langalibalele - Sobabili, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mpofana - Giants Castle, Mpofana - Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Richmond, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, uMlalazi, uMngeni, uMshwathi, uMuziwabantu and uMvoti, “leading to localised flooding of roads, low-lying bridges and settlements is expected over most parts of KZN from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.”
“Widespread showers and thundershowers are expected across KZN Wednesday and Thursday, this will result in disruptive rain leading to localised flooding. Significant rains have been observed Monday and still expected Tuesday afternoon, becoming more severe and disruptive from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday,” Saws said.
The service said impacts include localised flooding of susceptible formal/informal settlements, low-lying roads and bridges is possible. Difficult driving conditions can be expected on dirt roads and minor motor vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery roads. Localised damage to mud-built houses.
Saws urged residents to:
eThekwini Municipality
The eThekwini Municipality has urged the public to note a weather warning issued by Saws for Wednesday. The forecast model indicates a severe orange level 5 with widespread showers and thundershowers across KZN between Wednesday, 2pm and Thursday, 4am, including the eThekwini region. High-intensity cells are forecasted to come in from the west, affecting all areas of the municipality throughout the night.
eThekwini Municipality communications manager Mduduzi Ncalane said some of these thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by disruptive rain leading to localised flooding. This warning may cause the flooding of roads and settlements, poor driving conditions, damage to infrastructure, and the destruction of mud-built houses.
Motorists were urged to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe following distance while driving on wet roads.
“The municipality’s Disaster Management Centre and other emergency services are on standby and are monitoring the forecasts, which remain subject to change. Updates will be provided accordingly,” Ncalane said.
“The City advises residents to exercise caution, to stay indoors if possible, and to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary. The public is reminded not to attempt to cross rivers and streams.”
Additionally, in case of an emergency, the municipality said the public can call the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.
Weather outlook for Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Image: SA Weather Service
Forecast outlook
In a media statement, Saws said the eastern provinces are likely to see a significant improvement in rainfall over the coming week, as tropical moisture and favourable synoptic conditions are expected to bring more rainfall to the area.
“Eastern South Africa is expected to experience increased rainfall over the next week, with numerical models predicting between 70 - 150mm of accumulated rainfall in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Free State, eastern parts of North West, and the western and southern areas of Limpopo,” Saws explained.
“This substantial rainfall increase is likely to elevate the risk of flooding. As a result, the public is strongly urged to stay informed by following short-term weather forecasts and any warnings issued by the South African Weather Service. With the forecasted rainfall and accompanying cloud cover, temperatures in the eastern parts of the country are expected to cool down, providing some relief from the extreme heat and uncomfortable conditions experienced in recent weeks.”
Saws said Thursday's weather forecast shows a possibility of isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern areas of the country, but widespread over KZN and Mpumalanga. The expected thunderstorms may result in heavy downpours that may lead to localised flooding, a possibility of damaging winds as well as hail in places over Gauteng, the Free State, KZN, Mpumalanga and the southern parts of Limpopo.
For Friday, Saws said isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible over the north-eastern areas of the country, but scattered over Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the eastern parts of the North West with light rain expected along the south coast.
Weather outlook for Friday, December 20, 2024.
Image: SA Weather Service
Recent inclement weather
The disruptive rain warning comes after two severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Tuesday. Saws had issued a yellow Level 2 warning and an orange Level 5 warning.
Additionally, in recent days, storms caused significant damage in several municipalities in the province. Public and private infrastructure were damaged. Several areas were without electricity, pushing Eskom and municipalities to work quickly to restore power. Roofs were blown off houses and buildings, leaving some residents displaced.
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