‘Red alert’ issued as thunderstorms and heavy rains make landfall in KZN

Soaked would be an understatement when describing KwaZulu-Natal 24-hours from now.

The South African Weather Service has just upgraded parts of the province from an orange alert (weather watch alert) to a red alert, warning against thunderstorms and heavy rains.

Morning satellite image (14 November 2019). Thunderstorms already visible over western KZN moving eastwards. Expect a wet day in the eastern parts of South Africa. Heavy rain possible along the coastal areas and adjacent interior of KZN tomorrow (Friday). pic.twitter.com/fcOdjaGJPJ

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 14, 2019

More than 100-150mm of rain is expected to fall in the next 24-hours and KZN Disaster Management teams are on standby throughout the province.

ALSO READ: Storm threat closes many KZN schools

The Department of Education in KZN has also advised schools to close for the day.

Durban Metropolitan Police Service Senior Superintendent, Parboo Sewpersad urged road users to exercise caution.

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

WATCH:13/11/2019 13h00 TO:13/11/2019 00h00 Severe Thunderstorms- are possible over most of KZN from the afternoon (Wed). Please note that severe thunderstorms can produce a variety of elements. Warnings will be issued when these thunderstorms are conducive for these elements. pic.twitter.com/1RNOrSFSuR

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 13, 2019

The severe weather conditions are expected to carry on until tomorrow.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Electricity Outages: 032 437 5081

KwaDukuza Emergency Control: 060 714 3764

Ilembe Disaster Management: 032 437 9379

IPSS Rescue: 082 391 1911

Umhlali SAPS: 032 947 9900

Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.