Thunderstorms, damaging winds forecast for Zululand region

South African Weather Service issues warnings for severe thunderstorms and winds for parts of KZN.

32 seconds ago

Lauren Anthony 1 minute read

PHOTO: Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Zululanders are being warned to brace for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds today (Tuesday), with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issuing two yellow level 2 impact-based warnings covering parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The storms could bring:
· Heavy downpours
· Damaging winds
· Hail
· Excessive lightning

The first warning – for severe thunderstorms – is in place from 6pm to midnight tonight, and will mainly affect areas south of Durban.

These conditions could result in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, as well as localised damage to settlements and infrastructure.

A second yellow level 2 warning was issued for damaging winds along the coast and adjacent interior between Port Edward and Richards Bay.

This warning is in place from 5pm today (Tuesday) until midnight tomorrow.The strong winds could cause localised damage to settlements, disrupt beachfront activities and make navigation difficult.

El Niño adds to summer concerns

The warnings come as we head into a summer that is expected to be hotter and drier than normal in many areas, with SAWS warning that a very strong El Niño event is developing.

The far north-eastern parts of KZN are among the areas expected to experience warmer, drier conditions as summer progresses. However, the picture is not expected to be uniformly dry from the start of the season.

SAWS said favourable rainfall conditions could still occur over the eastern coastal areas and eastern interior during spring, while early summer could also bring above-normal rainfall to parts of eastern South Africa.

The weather service has, however, warned that rainfall could decrease significantly as summer progresses, particularly across the central interior and far north-east.

Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal across most of the country during the forecast period.

Stay weather-ready

During thunderstorms, SAWS warns to:

· Avoid unnecessary travel
· Stay away from flooded roads, low-lying areas and bridges
· Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around by strong winds
· Avoid standing beneath isolated trees or near structures that could be affected by lightning

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