Staff Reporter
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Tuesday issued a Level 6 warning for disruptive rain across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with flooding, infrastructure damage and major traffic disruption possible.
The warning is valid from midday on Tuesday until midday on Wednesday.
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Affected areas include Big Five Hlabisa-Hluhluwe, eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Mtubatuba, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and Umzumbe.
“Persistent rainfall is expected along the coast and adjacent interior, which may lead to flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure and mud-based houses today and tomorrow,” the weather service said in its warning.
A cut-off low over South Africa’s southern interior and a ridging high-pressure system south of the country were drawing moisture over KwaZulu-Natal.
These systems were expected to bring scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers across the province on Tuesday, although conditions would be more isolated in the extreme north.
Scattered showers and thundershowers were also forecast for Wednesday, with isolated activity expected in the extreme north-east.
The weather service warned that significant rainfall could flood roads, bridges and formal and informal settlements, while fast-flowing streams and deep water could pose a danger to life.
Major roads could become flooded, severely disrupting traffic, while water, electricity and communication services could also be affected. Mud-based houses may be damaged.
Residents were urged to avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water was above ankle height.
Motorists trapped in vehicles during flooding should abandon them and move to higher ground. People inside buildings were advised to move valuables above the anticipated flood level and switch off electricity at the supply point.
Those in rural areas were advised to protect or relocate animals to safer ground.
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