The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape from 15:00 to 23:00 on October 21.
These storms could bring scattered showers and thundershowers, mainly in the northern regions.
The weather service warned of potential severe thunderstorms in the western and midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, with localized impacts such as damage to infrastructure, settlements, and livestock, falling trees blocking roads, injuries from flying debris, and localized flooding.
Severe thunderstorms, here’s how to keep safe
1. Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts for updates and warnings, and keep a battery-powered radio on hand.
2. Seek shelter in a sturdy building when you hear thunder, avoiding open structures or sheds.
3. Keep away from electrical appliances, like corded phones and computers, as lightning can travel through wiring.
4. Avoid showering or bathing during storms to prevent electrical hazards via plumbing.
5. Stay indoors away from windows and doors to reduce the risk of flying debris.
6. If caught outside, crouch low, avoiding tall objects like trees, and never stand in water, as it can conduct electricity.
7. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before leaving your shelter, as more storms may follow.
SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS
1. Orange level 6 warning: disruptive rain with impacts including flooding, danger to life, and Damage to property is expected along the east coast and adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape and south coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
2. Yellow level 2 warning: Disruptive rain with impacts including localised flooding, danger to life, and damage to property is expected over the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape, except in the extreme north-eastern parts.
3. Yellow level 2 warning: Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large amounts of small hail, and heavy downpours leading to localised flash flooding are expected over the central to northern parts of Limpopo as well as along the escarpment of Mpumalanga.
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