Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the Zululand region this (Saturday) evening and on Sunday.

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 warning that will impact several areas including: Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Mtubatuba, Nongoma, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze and Pongola.

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“Models are indicating significant amounts of rain in excess of 100mm for areas over the north-eastern parts of KZN on Sunday,” the SAWS said.

KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged residents to heed the weather warning.

Potential Impacts:

* Flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements.
* Danger to life from fast-flowing water and streams.
* Major travel disruptions and infrastructure damage from hail.
* Fire incidents caused by lightning.
Safety Instructions:
* Stay indoors and off the roads if possible.
* Avoid crossing rivers or swollen streams where water is above ankle height.
* Move valuables to a safe place above expected flood levels.
* Stay away from metal objects, tall trees, or open fields during lightning.

Low-pressure system

While the SAWS has rejected claims of a tropical cyclone over Mozambique, the Regional Centre for Meteorological Services (RCMS) classified the low-pressure system as a Disturbed Zone.

“In simple terms, this system has enough energy to produce significant rainfall and storms, but it lacks the structure, persistence, and oceanic support needed to become a named tropical system,” the RCMS states.

“The north-eastern parts of SA have already received above-average rainfall this summer season.
Soils are saturated, rivers are sensitive, and catchments are primed.

“As a result, even normal to moderate rainfall amounts may trigger significant impacts, including flash flooding, waterlogged ground, and rapid river rises.”

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