Damaging coastal winds predicted for Saturday

Communities along the KZN coast between Port Edward and Cape Vidal are urged to exercise caution amid a forecast for damaging winds from tomorrow (Saturday) morning until the evening.

The yellow level 4 warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), urging communities along the coast and adjacent interior to exercise extreme caution.

ALSO READ: Above-normal rainfall predicted for KZN over summer season

“A surface high pressure just east of KZN followed by a surface low south of the country resulting in a tight gradient will result in strong winds of 50 to 70km/h gusting 80 to 90km/h, leading to major build-up of sand on coastal routes.

Localised disruption of small harbours or ports for a short period of time is expected, with possible damage to settlements and infrastructure.

This follows a recent forecast of higher than normal rainfall for some provinces, including KZN, during late spring and summer.

“The EL Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is in a neutral state, with rapid cooling experienced in the last month, which could result in a weak La Niña event within the next month if current predictions hold true.

“For South Africa, this translates into generally favourable rainfall conditions for the summer rainfall areas in the north-eastern parts of the country, and is expected to increase the likelihood of flooding during summer,” the SAWS stated.

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