Eastern Cape faces severe thunderstorms and damaging winds on Thursday

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued two weather warnings for parts of the Eastern Cape on Thursday, as severe thunderstorms and strong winds threaten the province.

The warnings cover northern and eastern parts of the province, where heavy downpours, hail and damaging winds could affect homes, infrastructure and electricity supplies.

Severe thunderstorms expected in the Eastern Cape

SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, valid from 13:00 until 18:59 on Thursday.

A surface trough over the Northern Cape, together with disturbances in the upper atmosphere, will trigger thunderstorms over northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

Some thunderstorms could become severe, bringing heavy downpours, strong winds and hail.

SAWS says the storms could cause damage in places along the escarpment and further north towards the Free State and Lesotho borders.

What damage could the thunderstorms cause?

According to SAWS, severe thunderstorms could cause localised damage to homes, property and temporary structures.

The weather service also warns of possible disruptions to electricity and communication services.

Farmers could lose livestock and crops, while dangerous storm conditions may threaten lives.

These are potential impacts of the warning, not reports of damage that has already occurred.

SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging winds, valid from 12:00 until 16:59 on Thursday.

The weather service says interior berg winds will strengthen as an Atlantic cold front approaches.

The winds could damage homes, temporary structures and ageing infrastructure in affected areas.

SAWS also warns that strong winds could cause localised interruptions to electricity and communication services.

Why is the Eastern Cape facing two weather warnings?

Two weather systems will influence conditions in the province on Thursday.

A surface trough and upper-air disturbances will create conditions favourable for thunderstorms, while an approaching Atlantic cold front will strengthen berg winds over the interior.

This means some areas could experience damaging winds before thunderstorms develop later in the day.

The two warnings overlap between 13:00 and 16:59, although this does not mean every affected location will experience both hazards.

People should also keep checking SAWS updates, as the timing of thunderstorms may change.