Rain, thunderstorms and gale force winds set to lash North Coast

The South African Weather Service has issued multiple weather warnings for the entire province of KwaZulu-Natal which is set to expect severe thunderstorms and gale-force winds.

Lashing the entire coast of the province this afternoon from around 5pm, winds with an average speed of 65km/h are expected along the South Coast, spreading up the North Coast to Richards Bay overnight.

The winds are expected to last until tomorrow morning around 2am.

The SA Weather Service also forecasts severe thunderstorms throughout the province, with storms closer to home expecting to hit the North Coast area this afternoon until 9pm tonight.

Seeing that the thunderstorm season is upon us, here is a reminder of the difference between normal and severe thunderstorms.
REMEMBER: When thunder roars, go indoors! #BeWeatherSMART @_ArriveAlive @N3Route @huisgenoot @landbou @GrainSA @AgriSAOfficial @FarmersWeeklySA pic.twitter.com/0V9d2DrqX2

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) October 3, 2019

With the severe weather expected to carry on throughout the week, Durban Metropolitan Police Service Senior Superintendent, Parboo Sewpersad urged road users to exercise caution.

ALSO READ: M4 to remain closed following partial wash-away

“Maintain a safe following distance, reduce your travel speed and ensure that your headlights and windscreen wipers are in working order,” said Sewpersad.

WATCH ⚠ 12/11/2019 15h30 TO:12/11/2019 23h00 Severe Thunderstorms forecast over parts of most parts of KZN this afternoon into evening.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 12, 2019

Rainfall figures collected over a 24-hour period from Sunday to Monday indicated that King Shaka International Airport received 84mm of rain.

24h rainfall figures measuring from yesterday until this morning at 8am (11/11/2019). King Shaka Airport received 84mm while Mount Edgecombe was 77mm w/ Ulundi, Margate, Paddock & KwaMashu measuring 61, 60, 57, & 50mm respectively. Hope you are enjoying the rain. @ReenvalSA pic.twitter.com/GsyaPm8i4h

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 11, 2019

Please be aware of a hoax social media message making rounds regarding a tornado moving to Durban and forming in Harding. This is inaccurate. However, thunderstorms are still expected in places in KZN and alerts will be issued if they become severe.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 12, 2019

The severe thunderstorms have drifted out to sea, however there might still be some Thundershowers in places over KZN, which are expected to continue until midnight. These will be monitored and alerts will be sent accordingly.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 12, 2019

The SAWS has seen the video of the observed tornado over the KZN Midlands. Numerous severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for KZN & EC. Any severe thunderstorm has the potential to form a tornado if conditions are conducive. Please see description below. pic.twitter.com/V4UOi67tqo

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 12, 2019

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