Veld fire, thunderstorms and damaging winds hit KZN

With a level 2 warning for damaging winds still in place, residents in various communities including Hlabisa, uMlalazi, Mandeni and uMfolozi are urged to stay vigilant and exercise caution until the bad weather conditions subside.

While thunderstorms have hit parts of KZN this (Wednesday) morning, disaster management teams are also responding to veld fires along the R33, 17km from Vryheid.

ALSO READ: Weather warning: Damaging winds ahead on Wednesday

“Our priority is the safety of our citizens,” said Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

“Disaster Management teams are already on the ground, monitoring the evolving weather patterns and responding to incidents.

Die winter is in KZN. Ligte reën wat af en toe uitsak met n sterker wind. Tans 17°C en humiditeit op 80%. Mtunzini, KZN 📷Martina Pretorius @peoples_weather @SAWeatherServic @VoxWeatherZa @ZOPublications @ZiniConservancy @ecr9495 @i_trafficKZN pic.twitter.com/Q4DU5YGMQF

— ReenvalSA (@ReenvalSA) May 21, 2025

“We appeal to everyone to heed the warnings, avoid unnecessary travel, and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property,” he said.

Potential impacts of the damaging winds:

• Disruption to roads: Crosswinds and fallen objects could severely impede traffic flow and create hazardous driving conditions

• Localised disruptions to ports: Small vessels may face significant difficulty in navigation, and port operations could be affected

• Localised damage to temporary structures: Structures, particularly those along coastal areas, are vulnerable to damage

• Coastal routes and communities affected by sea spray: Coastal areas may experience heavy sea spray, impacting visibility and potentially affecting communities

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY