Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain forecast for northern KZN

MUCH of the Zululand region has been placed under a level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms this (Sunday) afternoon.
The South African Weather Service-issued alert is in place from 11am until midnight tonight.

Areas affected include Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, uMfolozi, Mtonjaneni, Mtubatuba, uMlalazi, Nkandla and Nongoma.

“Severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, excessive lightning, damaging winds and hail, resulting in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock are expected in the northern parts of KZN,” said SAWS.

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The weather desk went on to say a steep upper air trough/cut-off low pressure system is expected to be situated over the central interior of South Africa today, with a surface high pressure system south-west of the country, ridging over KZN.

“As a result, widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over KZN, some of which are expected to become severe over central and northern KZN.”

Potential impacts
• Flooding of roads and bridges, formal and informal settlements
• Hail may result in infrastructure damage
• Danger to life due to fast-flowing rivers or streams
• Major travel disruptions, including route obstructions

Instruction
• Stay indoors where possible, and off the roads
• Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water is above ankle-deep
• If trapped in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground
• In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above expected flood level
• Stay away from metal objects, and do not seek shelter under trees

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