Durban on high alert as severe thunderstorms set to hit

Durban residents have been warned to take precautions as severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, hail and lightning are expected across eThekwini.

The eThekwini Municipality has placed its disaster management and emergency services teams on high alert following a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms issued by the South African Weather Service.

The warning is valid from 12:00 until 23:59 on Sunday, 1 November 2026.

Emergency teams on standby

The municipality said its teams are closely monitoring areas that are particularly vulnerable to severe weather, including low-lying communities and informal settlements.

Resources have been placed on standby to respond to incidents including flooding, damage to infrastructure, fallen trees blocking roads and other weather-related emergencies

Disaster Management Director Vincent Ngubane urged residents to take the warning seriously.

“Our teams are closely monitoring areas prone to weather-related incidents, and resources are on standby to respond swiftly wherever they are needed. We urge residents to take the warning seriously and put their safety first,” said Ngubane.

What Durban residents should do

Residents living in flood-prone areas are urged to move valuables to a location above the expected flood level. People living in rural areas should move livestock to higher ground where possible.

The municipality is also advising residents to stay indoors during the severe weather where possible.

Motorists should reduce their speed and maintain a safe following distance, particularly during heavy rain when visibility and road conditions can deteriorate quickly.

Residents are also warned not to attempt to cross flooded roads, rivers or swollen streams.

Anyone who becomes trapped in a vehicle during flooding should leave the vehicle and move to higher ground, provided it is safe to do so.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the City’s official communication platforms for further weather and emergency updates.

Anyone who needs emergency assistance can contact the eThekwini Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.

Residents in vulnerable areas should take the necessary precautions before conditions deteriorate and avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period.