THE South African Weather Service (SAWS) has this (Wednesday) evening issued a severe thunderstorm alert for most of KZN, including the Zululand region.

Thunderstorms with rain and hail have already been reported in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, and are expected to hit northern KZN tonight.

Areas that could be affected include Hluhluwe, Jozini, Hlabisa, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Nkandla, Nongoma, uMfolozi, Ntambanana, uMlalazi, Pongola, uMhlathuze and uMhlabuyalingana.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected, with the possibility of them becoming severe in some areas.

Strong winds will lead to localised damage to infrastructure, wet weather will lead to poor visibility on roads, hail could cause damage to homes and vehicles, and lightning strikes could result in localised fires.

‘If outdoors, seek shelter immediately, but not under a tree, under telephone lines or power lines,’ said SAWS in a statement earlier this evening.

The service urged people to avoid outdoor activities in the hail as this could cause injuries, and to avoid low-lying bridges and roads as these are susceptible to flooding.

‘Shelter pets, cover vehicles and disconnect electrical appliances.’

KZN MEC for COGTA (Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs), Sipho Hlomuka, has called on the province’s citizens to be vigilant and adhere to the weather warnings.

COGTA has placed the province’s disaster management teams on alert, and all areas prone to incidents are being monitored.

HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer