The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange, level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms in Newcastle and surrounding areas today (Wednesday, December 17).

According to SAWS, severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours with the potential to cause flooding of susceptible roads and settlements, strong damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning resulting in danger to life are expected over the western and eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal today as well as tomorrow.

The areas possibly affected will be:

• Abaqulusi
• Alfred Duma – Indaka
• Alred Duma – Ladysmith
• Big Five – Hlabisa
• Hluhluwe
• Dannhauser
• Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma
• Underberg
• eDumbe
• eMadlangeni
• Endumeni
• Greater Kokstad
• Impendle
• Ingwe
• Inkosi Langalibalele
• Escourt
• Sobalili
• Jozini
• Mpofana
• Giants Castle
• Mooi river
• Msinga
• Mtubatuba
• Newcastle
• Nkandla
• Nongoma
• Nquthu
• Okhahlamba
• Richmond
• The Msunduzi

Potential Impacts Include:

• Flooding of roads, bridges and both formal & informal settlements
• Lightning strikes that may cause fires
• Hail leading to infrastructure damage
• Major traffic disruptions
• Danger to life

Residents and motorists are strongly advised to stay indoors where possible, avoid travelling, and keep off the roads.

“Avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams, and if trapped in floods, leave the vehicle and climb to higher ground. In buildings, at home, place valuables above the expected water level where they will be safe,” it concluded.

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