KZN residents warned to prepare for severe thunderstorms

Durban – KZN’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has warned residents of the northwestern parts of the province of the risk of severe thunderstorms that are expected to hit these areas Monday afternoon into the evening.

In a statement Monday morning, MEC Sipho Hlomuka said that his department had received reports from the South African Meteorological Service indicating that severe storms can result in heavy downpours, hail and excessive lightning in the areas under Zululand, Umkhanyakude, Pietermaritzburg, Umzinyathi. , Thukela and Harry Gwala Districts.

“The expected thunderstorms bring with them the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas and the risk of damage to critical infrastructure and homes, particularly in informal settlements,” Hlomuka said.

He urged residents to exercise caution, as such weather conditions continue to pose a serious risk to human life in the province. “We call on communities to comply with the latest weather warnings. Those caught in these outdoor weather conditions are urged to seek shelter immediately. Those who are using routes that cross rivers are urged not to cross flooded trails, ”he said.

It had already put disaster management teams on high alert in all the areas listed. The teams will be monitoring localized flood prone areas and routes. Motorists were also warned to drive with caution.