Residents are urged to stay vigilant as Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga face intense storms and rising floodwaters. Picture Credits: CentralNews
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – Communities across three provinces are bracing for dangerous weather conditions as a powerful cut-off low sweeps across South Africa. An Orange Level 6 severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with KwaZulu-Natal placed under separate Level 2 and Level 4 alerts as the system intensifies.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), residents should prepare for heavy rainfall between 100–150 mm, destructive winds, and intense thunderstorms from Sunday through the early hours of Monday. The Level 6 alert indicates a high probability of severe impacts, including flooded roads, damaged infrastructure, fallen trees and disruptions to water and electricity supply.
SAWS cautioned that the expected rainfall may pose a serious risk to lives, especially for communities in low-lying areas or near rivers. “Rainfall accumulations of 100 to 150 mm are predicted… flooding may cause significant risk to lives,” the service said.
KZN Placed on High Alert as Weather System Expands
KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has activated the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, warning residents to remain vigilant as widespread thunderstorms hit the province from Saturday into Monday.
COGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and to take weather alerts seriously. “We advise residents to limit travel and avoid crossing low-lying bridges. Disaster management teams are on standby,” he said.
Level 4 (Higher Risk) Municipalities: Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma – Indaka & Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele – Escourt & Sobabili, Jozini, Mpofana – Giants Castle & Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Richmond, Msunduzi, Ubuhlebezwe, Ulundi, uMngeni, uMshwathi.
Level 2 (Moderate Risk) Municipalities : Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Ethekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, Umzumbe.
Multiple agencies — including KZN Transport, Social Development, RTI, SANRAL and Eskom — are on standby for rapid response to emergencies such as road closures, power outages and structural damage.
Expected Impacts Across Affected Provinces
Residents should prepare for:
• Flooding in homes, informal settlements and low-lying neighbourhoods
• Damaging winds, lightning and possible hail
• Power outages, water interruptions and road closures
• Poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions
• Fallen trees and debris blocking major routes
Authorities have urged communities to monitor weather updates closely and prioritise safety as the system continues to develop.
Additional Safety Advisory
In Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, SAWS warns that flooding and severe thunderstorm impacts could persist into Monday morning, with significant risk to life and property.
Residents are strongly advised to:
• Monitor official updates from SAWS and KZN COGTA
• Follow instructions from local authorities
• Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges
• Report emergencies to local disaster management centres
