Durban – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms across KwaZulu-Natal, forecasting heavy downpours, hail, and damaging winds that could lead to flooding and infrastructure damage from Monday morning until late Tuesday.
The warning, valid from 11am on Monday to 23:59 on Tuesday, affects a wide area including Newcastle, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Nquthu, Msinga, Alfred Duma, uMngeni, Greater Kokstad, Mooi River, and several surrounding districts.
SAWS indicated that thunderstorms are expected to become severe in the western parts of the province where heavy rain and hail could impact low-lying areas, bridges, and informal settlements.
The weather service warned of major travel disruptions, route obstructions, and potential danger to life due to fast-flowing water and flooding.
Residents have been urged to “stay indoors, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams, and move valuables to higher ground if flooding occurs”. SAWS also cautioned against sheltering under trees or using metal objects such as golf clubs or fishing rods during lightning activity.
The alert follows intense thunderstorms in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon that resulted in localised flooding and temporary road closures in the central business district. Heavy rainfall caused damage to sections of some roads, while overflowing stormwater drains flooded several intersections and business premises.
According to the Newcastle Municipality, Disaster Management and Technical Services teams were dispatched to assist affected areas and assess the extent of storm-related damage.
On Monday, the municipality said that mayor DX Dube is leading a delegation to assess the damage caused by the storm. It said its teams were working diligently to clear debris, restore essential services and provide assistance to those in need.
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