SAWS Issues Orange Level 5 Weather Warning as Severe Storms Threaten Flooding Across South Africa

Lola Smith
Published

Residents in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State have been warned to prepare for severe weather conditions on Saturday, 14 November.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and possible flooding across several areas.

An Orange Level 5 warning has been issued for parts of the country, with forecasts indicating the possibility of large amounts of hail, damaging winds and flooding that could affect roads, homes and infrastructure.

Additional Yellow Level 2 warnings have also been issued for severe thunderstorms and disruptive rainfall, while Cape Town faces a separate coastal wind warning.

Orange Level 5 Warning Covers Parts of KwaZulu-Natal

The Orange Level 5 warning applies to parts of the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, including areas around Howick, Ladysmith and Newcastle.

The warning will remain in effect from 13:00 until midnight on Saturday.

SAWS has cautioned that thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours, significant hail and strong winds, increasing the risk of damage to property and infrastructure.

Gauteng, Free State and Mpumalanga Face Thunderstorm Risks

A Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for parts of Gauteng, North West, the Free State and Mpumalanga.

The expected thunderstorms could result in localised flooding, particularly along vulnerable roads, low-lying areas and bridges.

The weather service has also warned of large amounts of small hail and damaging winds that could affect infrastructure and private property.

KwaZulu-Natal Coast Braces for Heavy Rainfall

Parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, including areas around Durban and Richards Bay, are also under a separate Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall.

Heavy downpours could cause localised flooding on susceptible roads and around low-lying bridges.

Motorists may also encounter reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces, potentially increasing journey times.

Motorists Warned About Flooded Roads

Road users travelling through affected areas have been advised to exercise caution as the storms develop.

Although some roads may remain accessible, motorists should allow additional time for their journeys and avoid attempting to drive through flooded sections.

The warnings cover several parts of the country on Saturday, with the most severe alert remaining in place across the affected interior areas of KwaZulu-Natal until midnight.

Spread the News. Share on
Facebook Twitter Reddit LinkedIn
Lola Smith profile photo

About Lola Smith

Lola Smith is a highly experienced writer and journalist with over 25 years of experience in the field. Her special interest lies in journalistic writeups, where she can utilize her skills and knowledge to bring important stories to the public eye. Lola’s dedication to her craft is unparalleled, and she writes with passion and precision, ensuring that her articles are informative, engaging, and thought-provoking. She lives in New York, USA.