Disruptive rain to persist across KZN

Disaster management teams are on high alert as heavy rains are set to persist across KZN today (Monday) until Wednesday.

This as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) waned of disruptive rains with scattered showers and thundershowers expected over the central and eastern regions.

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The areas that will be affected in the Zululand region are: Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Mandeni, Mthonjaneni, Nongoma, uMhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and Pongola.

MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in KZN, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged residents to take heed of the severe weather warning and to take all necessary safety precautions.

“The inclement weather conditions are expected to cause the overflowing of low-lying bridges, localised flooding, and potentially disrupt major routes across the province during a time when holidaymakers will be travelling back home,” said Rev Buthelezi.

According to the SAWS, the likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50 to 70mm.

University of Zululand senior lecturer and meteorologist, Dr Marshall Mdoka said the accumulated weekly rainfall come Monday, 13 January could reach 150mm.

The rainfall distribution is anticipated to remain scattered to widespread across the central and eastern regions of the country on Monday, 6 January.

“These conditions will most likely be accompanied by the persistence of disruptive rain and localised flooding across North West, the Free State, Gauteng, as well as the western bushveld of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal,” said SAWS.

“These adverse weather conditions are expected to persist until Wednesday, 8 January over the north-eastern and eastern provinces, where potential flooding can be expected as a result of the persistent rainfall.”

To ensure safety and preparedness, the following precautions are advised:

• Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams
• Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed
• Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

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