SAWS warns parts of South Africa are in for a wet weekend

South Africa is in for a weekend of unsettled weather, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warning of disruptive rain, snow, thunderstorms and damaging winds across several provinces.

Very cold and wet conditions are expected over high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape and south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.

SAWS has issued multiple weather warnings, with some areas facing a significant risk of flooding, dangerous fast-flowing water and difficult driving conditions.

KwaZulu-Natal faces flooding risk

An Orange Level 6 warning has been issued for disruptive rain along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and adjacent interior up to Richards Bay.

SAWS warns that flooding could affect formal and informal settlements, roads and other infrastructure.

Fast-flowing streams and deep water could pose a danger to life, while communities, livestock and livelihoods could be affected.

An additional Yellow Level 4 warning is in place for the eastern and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where disruptive rain could result in flooding.

Eastern Cape rain and snow

The Eastern Cape is also facing significant weather impacts.

An Orange Level 5 warning has been issued for the Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Ntabankulu local municipalities.

Disruptive rain could lead to flooding of settlements, roads and bridges, as well as interruptions to essential services.

Meanwhile, a Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for coastal areas and the adjacent interior between KuGompo City and Port St Johns, including the extreme north-eastern interior of the province.

SAWS has also warned of disruptive snow over the Matatiele and Elundini local municipalities.

The snow could result in isolated losses of vulnerable livestock and difficult driving conditions.

Thunderstorms and damaging winds

Thunderstorms are also expected in parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.

A Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for the extreme east-central parts of the Northern Cape.

Severe thunderstorms could bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, potentially resulting in injuries, danger to life and localised flooding.

A Yellow Level 2 warning covers the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, the western Free State and north-western KwaZulu-Natal.

Meanwhile, damaging winds are expected over the southern and western parts of the Northern Cape and northern parts of the Western Cape.

SAWS warns that the winds could cause localised damage, power and communication interruptions and difficult driving conditions.

What to expect this weekend

The weather is expected to remain unsettled into Saturday and Sunday.

SAWS forecasts partly cloudy and cold to cool conditions, although some areas will be warm.

Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected, becoming widespread over western parts of the country on Saturday.

Residents in affected areas are urged to take weather warnings seriously, avoid crossing flooded roads or fast-flowing streams and exercise caution when travelling.

Motorists should also be prepared for reduced visibility, wet roads, strong winds, snow and localised flooding depending on their route.