Residents of Durban and nearby communities have been advised to remain cautious following severe weather alerts issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for eThekwini on Monday, October 19.
The municipality announced that its Disaster Management, Fire and Emergency Services teams were on standby to respond to possible emergencies arising from the expected weather conditions. These include localised flooding, damage to buildings and hazardous road conditions.
SAWS has announced a Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, which will remain in effect from 1 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. on Monday. A Level 2 alert has also been issued for destructive winds, effective from 11 a.m. on Monday until 6:59 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20.
The expected weather conditions include intense rainfall, frequent lightning, possible hailstorms and southerly winds that could reach speeds of up to 83 kilometres per hour.
Durban Weather: Heavy Rainfall, Lightning and Strong Winds Expected
Severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are expected to create dangerous weather conditions in several parts of eThekwini.
Heavy rainfall could cause flooding in certain areas, while strong winds may damage buildings and carry away unsecured outdoor objects. Lightning strikes and possible hailstorms could also threaten the safety of residents, drivers and pedestrians.
The municipality has advised residents to stay vigilant and follow official weather reports for updates as the situation develops.
Durban Emergency Services on High Alert
The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that emergency response teams are prepared to deal with incidents that may arise from the severe weather.
The Durban Metro Police Service will keep watch over areas vulnerable to flooding, control traffic and shut down roads whenever conditions become dangerous.
Drivers have been encouraged to remain careful, especially in locations experiencing heavy rainfall, limited visibility or flooding.
Residents have also been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys during the storms. They should never attempt to cross flooded roads or rapidly flowing water, either on foot or in vehicles.
Safety Measures During Durban’s Severe Weather
The municipality has recommended several precautionary measures to protect residents during the expected storms:
• Limit unnecessary travel: Residents should remain indoors whenever possible until the severe weather subsides.
• Avoid floodwater: Do not walk or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
• Secure outdoor belongings: Move loose furniture and other unsecured items indoors, and place valuables above expected flood levels.
• Stay away from coastal areas: Avoid visiting beaches, rivers and shorelines during severe weather conditions.
• Protect yourself during lightning: Remain indoors, stay away from windows and disconnect electrical appliances when it is safe to do so.
Residents have been encouraged to follow official communication channels of the municipality and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for further announcements and changes to the weather warnings.
Durban Emergency Contact Number
Residents in need of urgent assistance can contact the eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services on 031 361 0000.
