KZN Disaster Management on high alert as thunderstorms loom

Disaster Management teams are on high alert in KwaZulu-Natal following a weather warning by the South African Weather Service.

Severe thunderstorms are expected in various areas, with predictions of cold weather and snowfall in the Drakensberg mountains.

⚠️Media Release⚠️: Stormy and cold weather expected across central and eastern South Africa (27-29 April 2020). pic.twitter.com/cFnbf5Y3Sv

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) April 27, 2020

Spokesperson for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Senzelwa Mzila, says heavy downpours might lead to localised flooding, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail.

“This weather warning is for areas in the following districts: Harry Gwala, Amajuba, uThukela, uMzinyathi, part of eThekwini and Zululand. MEC Sipho Hlomuka is urging communities in these areas to exercise extreme caution. He has also urged those that are part of the essential workers to exercise extreme caution on the roads as they can be slippery at this time,” says Mzila.

#Rainfall for Tuesday. Some adverse weather conditions tomorrow (Tuesday) with rainy and stormy weather in the eastern half of SA. Its going to be cold in GP, KZN, FS, EC and MPU with snow on the Drakensberg. #StaySafeSA pic.twitter.com/egdqBFtcFH

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) April 27, 2020

Meanwhile, Mzila says so far no incidents have been reported. He has urged people who are using generators and other methods to keep warm, to exercise extreme caution.

“The MEC is urging them to exercise extreme caution because we do know that generators as well need to be handled with great care especially in rural areas, if they are lighting imbawula or any other means to keep warm. Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka is urging them to exercise extreme caution because we do know that some mechanism do come with a number of issues,” says Mzila.

In the video below, thunderstorms across South Africa are forecast