The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms that will come with heavy winds and flooding in most parts of the country. In a statement late yesterday, SAWS said there will be thunderstorms with possible heavy downpours and possible strong damaging winds for Free State, North West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.
??Weather alerts for tomorrow, 07 November 2023. Orange level 5 and Yellow level 2 Severe thunderstorms alerts expected in places over the central parts of the country.#southafricanweather #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/l7yhT8JeA5
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 6, 2023
BE WARNED
The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance (Cogta) spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said the severe weather is also likely to cause damage to infrastructure. "Widespread showers and thundershowers are anticipated over most parts of the province. According to SAWS, severe thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by heavy downpours, leading to flooding in some areas," said Mngadi. He said municipalities to be impacted in KZN include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi, and uPhongolo Local Municipality.
NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
Mngadi said the department has activated all disaster management teams in the mentioned municipalities and a joint operation cluster that involves all responsive stakeholders. He urged residents to be one step ahead in taking safety measures especially those who are in low-lying areas as they could be at high risk. "We advise residents to relocate to safer areas and stay indoors. If outdoors, seek shelter immediately, but avoid hiding under trees, telephone poles and power lines. Motorists are advised to refrain from travelling during this period," Mngadi said. Meanwhile in Gauteng SAWS says there's a 60% chance of rain with the following potential threats: hail, damaging winds, heavy downpours and localised flooding.
