Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal brace for severe weather: Flooding and hail warnings in effect
Yasmine Jacobs | Updated 3 hours ago
The authorities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have issued urgent warnings as Level 4 and Level 5 severe weather alerts remain in place, with thunderstorms already causing flooding, hailstorms, and disruptions to services. The Provincial Joint Operational Command in Gauteng has reiterated its Level 4 warning, urging residents to avoid flooded routes and take immediate steps to stay safe. Several incidents of motorists attempting to cross submerged roads have already been reported. The JOC cautioned, "People must not put their lives at risk. Move to higher ground if water levels are rising, avoid rivers, and stay away from tall structures during lightning."
In KwaZulu-Natal, the South African Weather Service issued Level 4 and Level 5 impact-based warnings for severe thunderstorms across large parts of the province. The storms are bringing heavy downpours, strong winds, excessive lightning, and damaging hail, with a high risk of flash flooding, mudslides, and infrastructure damage. Communities in low-lying areas, informal settlements, and near rivers are deemed particularly vulnerable. KZN COGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged, "We urge communities… to move to higher, safer ground if conditions worsen. Our disaster management teams are monitoring conditions in real time and stand ready to respond."
Pietermaritzburg was hit by a hailstorm on Tuesday afternoon as weather conditions intensified. The Level 5 risk areas in KZN include Ulundi, Nkandla, Nongoma, Jozini, Mtubatuba, and parts of Zululand and uMkhanyakude districts. Level 4 warnings are in place for eThekwini and municipalities spanning the Midlands, Ugu, and the northern regions of the province. EThekwini Municipality has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel through the night, warning, "Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to cross swollen rivers or streams."
Disaster management teams, traffic officials, and emergency services are monitoring high-risk routes and are fully mobilised for rapid response. Motorists have also been advised to drive with headlights on, reduce speed, and increase following distances amid poor visibility and slick road conditions. IOL
