 issued a Yellow Level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms for KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.){kind=link}
By Levy Masiteng
eThekwini Municipality has placed its disaster management and emergency services on high alert after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms for KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.
The warning applies to most parts of the province, except the north-east, with SAWS saying that widespread heavy showers and intense thunderstorms could bring excessive lightning, strong and damaging winds, hail and torrential downpours.
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“These conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding, damage to infrastructure, and danger to life,” the municipality said, urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
Roads and bridges may become submerged, visibility could be severely reduced, and slippery road surfaces may increase the risk of traffic accidents, it warned. Informal settlements and mud-based structures are also especially vulnerable and may suffer structural damage or collapse under persistent rainfall and strong winds.
eThekwini said all emergency systems have been activated.
“We are urging residents to remain extremely vigilant and to take this warning seriously. Our disaster management and emergency teams are on high alert and fully mobilised to respond to any incidents that may arise,” the municipality said.
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay indoors where possible. Motorists are urged to reduce speed, increase following distances, and drive with headlights on.
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SAWS has issued two other Yellow Level 4 severe thunderstorm warnings for KwaZulu-Natal in the past two weeks (2 February and 9 February), making this the third such warning in a fortnight.
The municipality said it will continue to work closely with SAWS and provide regular updates as conditions evolve. “Our priority is the safety of residents. We appeal to communities to heed official warnings and cooperate with emergency services to prevent loss of life.”
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