KZN residents urged to prepare for severe weather conditions

KwaZulu-Natal residents are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions as the South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for thunderstorms expected today, Wednesday February 5. The storms are anticipated to bring damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours across most of the province, excluding the north-eastern parts.

In addition to the thunderstorms, the province will experience extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 35°C in Pietermaritzburg and Ladysmith, 34°C in Richmond and Ixopo, 36°C in Ulundi, and 31°C in Durban.

Midlands EMS has advised residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. To stay safe during the heatwave, residents are urged to:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid direct sunlight and seek shade or cooler environments.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.
• Seek a cool place and rehydrate if experiencing dizziness, weakness, or nausea.

Contact Midlands EMS in case of a heat-related emergency.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has also issued a warning about the potential impacts of the inclement weather. Residents are urged to be cautious of damage to infrastructure, flooding of low-lying bridges and roads, and the risks posed by severe lightning. Strong winds could also result in flying debris, which may cause injuries or endanger lives.

Cogta further warned that travel disruptions are likely due to fallen trees blocking roads, and hailstorms could damage vehicles. Authorities have cautioned that emergency personnel may be under strain due to the expected increase in weather-related incidents.

Residents are advised to stay informed by monitoring official weather updates and to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of extreme weather.