Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds & Thunderstorms Loom

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued impact-based warnings for severe weather across the country. Most of KwaZulu-Natal and the northern Eastern Cape can expect severe thunderstorms, characterized by heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and lightning, with potential for localised flooding and infrastructure damage. These conditions have prompted a Yellow Level 2 warning, indicating a moderate risk requiring caution.

Furthermore, the western Free State and the eastern Northern Cape are under a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging winds. This alert forecasts winds that could cause localised damage to settlements, impact agricultural production, and affect transport routes due to dust storms or falling trees. SAWS uses a colour-coded system where yellow signifies a moderate risk, and numerical levels indicate the likelihood of impact.