Durban – Disaster management teams across KwaZulu-Natal have been placed on high alert following a weather warning of severe thunderstorms expected over parts of the province later on Monday.
The South African Weather Service Severe says thunderstorms are expected over the south-western parts and the Midlands this afternoon, drifting into the north-eastern parts in the evening.
KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sipho Hlomuka warned residents of the dangers posed by the severe thunderstorms which are expected to bring strong winds, hail and heavy downpours.
"We are appealing to residents in the areas that could be affected, to exercise extreme caution as the weather could deteriorate to dangerous levels. We are appealing for everyone to be vigilant as the expected heavy downpours could lead to localised flooding in low-lying areas and difficult driving conditions for motorists," the MEC said.
Disaster Management teams will be monitoring routes and areas that are prone to incidents very closely.
The areas that might be affected are:
Abaqulusi
Alfred Duma – Indaka
Dr N Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg
eDumbe
Endumeni
Greater Kokstad
Impendle
Inkosi Langalibalele – Escourt
Inkosi Langalibalele – Sobabili
Maphumulo
Mpofana – Giants Castle
Mpofana – Mooi River
Msinga
Mthonjaneni
Nkandla
Nongoma
Nquthu
Richmond
Msunduzi
Ubuhlebezwe
Ulundi
uMngeni
uMshwathi
Umvoti
Umzimkhulu
uPhongolo
Residents are urged to avoid being on the road where possible and to refrain from crossing low-lying bridges.
IOL