Stormy weather warning update for KZN

eThekwini Municipality has issued a warning to residents that severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours have been forecast over most parts of the province from this afternoon, 14 November into Friday.

Severe lightning, hail and strong, damaging winds are expected to accompany the thunderstorms and could pose a danger to life, vehicles and cause structural damage, Berea Mail reports.

In a media statement, the city said the weather is expected to improve from Friday evening, although more rain is predicted over the weekend in areas across the province.

The city warns that heavy downpours could potentially cause flooding of roads, resulting in travel disruptions, as well as formal and informal settlements and the possible closure of low lying bridges. The public is urged to be cautious as the inclement weather may result in fast-flowing streams and deep water.

The current forecast, confirmed by the South African Weather Service, shows storm activity commencing at 1 pm on Thursday, 14 November with the peak centred over the south-central region between uMlazi and Pinetown, moving off by 6 pm.

The northern areas between Durban North and Tongaat are expected to experience thunderstorms on Thursday 14 November, between 11 pm and 8 am on Friday, 15 November, that will see high-intensity rainfall over average rainfall.

The public is urged not to circulate unofficial weather warnings as this creates unnecessary panic and to rather only share information from the Municipality and official news sites.