THE South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 8 impact-based weather warning for disruptive rain, effective from 00:00 to 23:59 on Monday, January 6, until Tuesday, January 7, for eThekwini and surrounding areas in eastern KwaZulu-Natal.

Also read: Tips for protecting your assets during natural disasters and severe weather

Severe weather conditions expected:

Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected from Monday and possibly into Tuesday morning. Rainfall more than 120mm is possible in the east of KwaZulu-Natal, with conditions expected to deteriorate from Monday afternoon.

Expected impacts:

The heavy disruptive rain might cause impacts to infrastructure, services and public safety. Some of the key areas to note are:

• Flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and formal and informal settlements.
• Danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and deep water.
• Traffic disruptions due to flooding in major roads.
• Possible sinkholes and rockfalls in susceptible areas.
• Disruption of essential services such as water, electricity, and communication.

The SAWS has laid down the following guidelines to minimise risks:

• Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above ankle height.
• If caught in a car during flooding, get out and move to higher ground immediately.
• Protect valuables by taking them to a safer location that is as far above the expected flood level as possible.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel in general and to areas where the flood is to avoid congestion and accident risk.

Stay safe and let preparedness be key in this bad weather.

For any emergency, call 031 361 0000.

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