SAWS has issued a yellow 4 weather warnings across four provinces in the country. Image credit: EWN (pexels)
(The Post News) – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued Yellow Level 2 and Level 4 warnings for severe weather across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, with alerts in place until midnight. The forecast points to heavy rainfall, intense thunderstorms, and damaging winds, sparking widespread concern for both residents and authorities.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, forecaster Tokelo Chiloane said that while the immediate risk is centered on the warned provinces, other regions remain vulnerable. “There is still going to be some continuity tomorrow but looking at the Eastern Cape and some parts of the Free State, we expect heavy thunderstorms,” Chiloane explained.
The Level 4 warning applies mainly to the northwestern areas of KwaZulu-Natal, including towns such as Vryheid, Nquthu, Newcastle, and Utrecht, where storms are expected to be most severe. Authorities warn that these conditions could lead to damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and informal settlements, as well as major travel disruptions.
Meanwhile, a broader Level 2 warning has been extended to parts of western KZN, the central and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga, and the eastern Free State. These regions face localized but potentially disruptive storm activity.
SAWS highlighted the primary threats posed by this weather system: strong and destructive winds, frequent lightning, hailstorms, and possible flash flooding. With a 60% chance of showers turning severe in northern KZN, municipalities such as Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, Big 5 Hlabisa, Newcastle, Ulundi, and Phongolo have activated their disaster management teams and are monitoring the situation closely.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, secure loose structures, avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding, and limit travel where possible.
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