eThekwini urges residents to take precautions as severe storms threaten KZN

eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to remain vigilant as severe thunderstorms threaten Durban and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 25 October, and Monday, 26 October.

The municipality issued the advisory following a Yellow Level 2 warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The warning came into effect at 14:00 on Sunday and will remain in place until 22:59 on Monday.

SAWS expects heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning, which could cause localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements.

Which areas will be affected?

According to SAWS, severe thunderstorms could affect central and eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday before spreading to most parts of the province on Monday.

The warning covers several areas, including eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Estcourt, Kokstad, Eshowe and Mooi River.

Other affected areas include Dannhauser, Impendle, uMngeni, Mkhambathini, Maphumulo and parts of the Midlands.

What is causing the thunderstorms?

SAWS says a deepening surface trough extending from the KwaZulu-Natal interior will bring isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across the province on Sunday and Monday.

Some thunderstorms could become severe, particularly over central and eastern KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

By Monday, the weather service expects severe thunderstorms across most parts of the province.

Emergency teams on high alert

eThekwini Municipality says its Disaster Management and Emergency Services teams remain on high alert and are ready to respond to weather-related incidents.

The municipality has urged residents to monitor official weather updates and take precautions to protect themselves and their property.

SAWS may update the warning if weather conditions change, so residents should keep checking official weather updates.