Following severe thunderstorms over the weekend, Zululanders should brace for more heavy downpours today (Tuesday).

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms, which is in place until this evening.

These areas in the Zululand region will be affected: Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Mtubatuba, Jozini, Mthonjaneni, Nongoma, Nkandla, Ulundi, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and Pongola.

The orange level 5 warning follows a yellow level 4 warning issued on Monday.

“The effects of a surface trough, coupled with an upper-air system, are expected to result in widespread showers and thundershowers across KZN today.

“Some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe and be accompanied by heavy downpours leading to flooding, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, resulting in significant impacts,” SAWS states.

Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged residents to exercise extreme caution and follow safety guidelines, particularly amid possible flooding and lightning risks.

“Very heavy downpours are expected – over 50mm in north-ast KZN – as well as damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning. This could cause significant flooding, mudslides and displacement of communities,” said Cogta.

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