The KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams are on high alert as disruptive heavy rain is expected at the weekend.
MORE HEAVY RAIN IS EXPECTED OVER THE WEEKEND IN KZN
This comes after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) earlier warned that thundershowers are expected to affect large parts of the province.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, said some areas had already experienced heavy rains and were being closely monitored by disaster management teams.
“We appeal to communities to exercise extreme caution as the inclement weather conditions could lead to disruptive rainfall, which could result in flooding of roads and settlements, displacement of affected communities, possible damage to roads and bridges, and poor driving conditions,” he said.
WEATHER CONDITIONS NOT LINKED TO TROPICAL CYCLONE BATSIRAI
Hlomuka furthermore said according to the advisory issued by the weather service, these weather conditions were not linked to Tropical Cyclone Batsirai.
“Upon receipt of the weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service, we decided to place all our disaster management teams on high alert as a precaution.”
Residents living in low lying areas are urged to take the necessary precautions, which include:
- Not crossing flooded roads or bridges
- Avoiding crossing streams and rivers
- Not walking in swift-flowing water
MOTORISTS AND RESIDENTS WERE URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS
Motorists were also urged to avoid driving through flooded areas.
Disaster Management teams will continue to monitor areas that are prone to weather-related incidents.
Parts of KwaZulu-Natal can expect up to 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Friday.
According to SA Weather Service (SAWS) forecaster Wiseman Dlamini, at least 60% of showers and thundershowers are expected on Saturday and Sunday.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE WEEKEND
“I would like to emphasise that the weather that we are expecting this weekend is not related to the tropical cyclone Batsirai,” he said.
“There is no conclusive statement regarding the tropical cyclone Batsirai affecting KZN next week since it is still early to have accurate tracking of its movement. However, South African Weather Service will continue to closely monitor its movement and issue official statements and warnings should the need arise,” Dlamini said.
Meanwhile, a selection of beaches in the KwaZulu-Natal municipalities of KwaDukuza and eThekwini has become the first in South Africa to immediately close down this week, as a result of the threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Batsirai.
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