Severe thunderstorm warning issued for KwaZulu-Natal

KZN has been placed on high alert for more severe thunderstorms on Monday

KZN has been placed on high alert for more severe thunderstorms on Monday

Published Mar 17, 2025

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The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over KwaZulu-Natal on Monday.

Saws predict scattered showers and thundershowers over most parts of the province, with a possibility of severe thunderstorms over the western parts.

"This will be accompanied by excessive lightning, damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours, which may lead to localised flooding," the forecaster said.

A warning for severe thunderstorms has also been predicted for the Mpumalanga escarpment and north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape.

Last week, at least three people were killed following heavy rains in KZN.

Fatalities

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), at the weekend, reported that the body of a 21-year-old woman was recovered in Lower Molweni.

A 21-year-old woman was killed after trying to cross this river in KZN.

The woman was swept away while trying to cross a river in the area.

Vanitha Jeawon was also killed while driving home in the heavy rains on Thursday.

The 54-year-old mother and pharmacist travelled from Hillcrest to Northdene when her car was washed away in Pinetown.

Emergency and rescue teams recovered Jeawon's wrecked car from the Umbilo River.

Cogta said a 10-year-old girl was also killed when she was struck by lightning in Ward 6 in the Umlalazi Local Municipality. Four relatives were treated for injuries sustained during the ordeal.

Disaster teams on standby

"Disaster management teams are monitoring areas prone to weather-related incidents. MEC Buthelezi has advised motorists to exercise caution due to the impact on driving conditions and has urged residents to limit non-essential travel," said Cogta KZN MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

He further warned motorists to drive cautiously and urged residents to limit non-essential travel.

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