SAWS Issues Level 4 Warning for Severe Thunderstorms in North-Western KwaZulu-Natal
SAWS issues level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in north-western KwaZulu-Natal, with heavy downpours expected to lead to flooding of roads and settlements, as the South African Weather Service cautions residents of damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail, and potential infrastructure damage on Monday, 8 September 2025, urging safety measures like staying indoors and avoiding swollen streams amid a cut-off low pressure system bringing isolated to scattered showers across the province.
SAWS Alerts Residents to Imminent Severe Weather
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has escalated its alert to a level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms over the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, forecasting heavy downpours that could cause significant flooding and disruptions on Monday, 8 September 2025. [0] The warning, issued on Sunday, 7 September 2025, highlights the potential for localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, and roads, with risks including hail, strong winds, and excessive lightning posing dangers to life and property. [3] SAWS explained that a cut-off low pressure system extending to the surface over the central interior, combined with a high pressure system east of the country, will drive onshore flow leading to isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across KZN. [21]
Specific areas under threat include municipalities such as Dannhauser, eDumbe/Paulpietersburg, eMadlangeni/Utrecht, Endumeni/Dundee/eNdumeni, Abaqulusi/Vryheid/Abaqulusi, Msinga/Pomeroy, Newcastle, Nongoma, Nquthu/Nqutu, Ulundi, and uPhongolo, where storms are expected from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM. [21] These regions could see localised flooding of susceptible roads and bridges, damage to mud-based houses, and difficult driving conditions on dirt roads due to slippery surfaces and poor visibility. [21] The alert extends into Tuesday, 9 September 2025, encompassing additional areas like Alfred Duma – Ladysmith, Big Five Hlabisa – Hlabisa, Nkandla, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, and Umzimkhulu, with similar impacts including major travel disruptions and potential loss of infrastructure. [21]
This weather pattern follows a weak cut-off low bringing storms to the Highveld and KZN, with yellow level 1 and 2 warnings issued for parts of the province on Sunday, indicating a progression in severity. [16] [7] SAWS has noted that some thunderstorms will become severe, accompanied by heavy damaging winds, excessive lightning, and hail, which may result in infrastructure damage and danger to life from fast-flowing water or streams. [0]
Potential Impacts and Safety Precautions
The anticipated downpours pose multiple risks, including flooding of roads, bridges, and formal and informal settlements, which could lead to major travel disruptions, route obstructions, and incidents. [21] Hail may cause damage to vehicles and buildings, while strong winds and lightning increase the threat of fires and structural harm. [3] In rural areas, difficult driving conditions on dirt roads and localised damages to mud-based houses are expected, with minor motor vehicle accidents likely due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. [21]
SAWS has provided detailed safety advice to mitigate these dangers. Residents are urged to stay indoors if possible and avoid roads, particularly crossing rivers or swollen streams where water reaches above the ankles. [0] If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables above expected flood levels. During thunderstorms, stay indoors away from metal objects, avoid shelter under trees or tall structures, and refrain from activities like fishing or golf, as rods and clubs conduct electricity. [0] These precautions are crucial in preventing loss of life and property in affected areas.
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