Staff Reporter
eThekwini has placed its emergency services on high alert for two days of potentially disruptive rain, a day after a severe hailstorm, heavy downpours and strong winds caused flooding and traffic disruption across parts of the metro.
The municipality said on Wednesday it had activated its Disaster Management Centre and placed fire and emergency services, Metro Police and other frontline units on standby ahead of a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warning is in effect from midnight on Thursday until 11.59pm on Friday and covers eThekwini and other municipalities in southern KwaZulu-Natal.
It follows severe weather that battered parts of eThekwini on Tuesday afternoon, bringing hail, heavy rain and strong winds.
Localised flooding was reported on the N3 eastbound before the Tollgate Bridge, where three lanes were closed after heavy downpours left parts of the freeway under water.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said on Tuesday several areas of the metro had been affected by the storm, which he attributed to a cut-off low-pressure system.
The municipality said the latest spell of severe weather was expected to be driven by a strong ridging high-pressure system, a coastal low-pressure system and a cut-off low over the interior.
Heavy downpours could flood roads, low-lying bridges, residential areas and informal settlements and result in fast-flowing streams and other deep-water hazards, according to the warning.
There was also a risk of localised damage to property and municipal infrastructure, disruption to essential services and communities becoming temporarily isolated.
The city said emergency teams had been stationed across eThekwini for rapid deployment, while municipal crews would monitor waterways, infrastructure and areas with a history of flooding.
Residents have been urged to avoid low-lying and flood-prone roads and not to attempt to cross flooded rivers, streams or drainage channels on foot or in vehicles.
People living in low-lying areas and informal settlements have also been advised to identify higher ground and possible evacuation routes before the worst weather arrives.
Motorists have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, reduce their speed and increase following distances.
Life-threatening emergencies and damage to municipal infrastructure can be reported to the city’s Disaster Management and Emergency Services number on 031 361 0000.
