Everything you need to know about the Level 4 weather WARNING issued for KZN Photo:Stock/Canva
KZN Level 4 weather WARNING – Everything you need to know
The SA Weather Service has issued a level 4 weather WARNING for disruptive rain for KwaZulu-Natal. Here is everything you need to know.
Everything you need to know about the Level 4 weather WARNING issued for KZN Photo:Stock/Canva
A level 4 weather WARNING has been issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for disruptive rain in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
KZN LEVEL 4 WARNING – WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT THIS WEEKEND?
The SAWS warned of roads and bridges flooding as well as poor driving conditions. Flooding of settlements and damage to property and infrastructure is also expected.
The KZN level 4 weather warning is expected to come into effect on Saturday and is expected to last until midnight.
“Disruption due to sinkholes, mudslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion is possible. A major disruption of traffic flow is also possible due to roads being closed or flooded.”
The SAWS furthermore urged residents to stay indoors and off the roads if possible.
‘AVOID CROSSING RIVERS AND SWOLLEN STREAMS ‘
“Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles.
“If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground.
“In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. In rural areas, move livestock to higher grounds,” it said.
DISASTER TEAMS ARE ON HIGH ALERT
Meanwhile, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sipho Hlomuka, said disaster teams are on high alert.
“Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution following a weather advisory that indicates that a cut of the low-pressure system could bring light snowfall, freezing temperatures, and severe thunderstorms in parts of the country, including KZN, from Thursday going into the weekend.”
He said communities residing in low-lying areas could experience flooding due to the already saturated ground following the heavy rains experienced by the province in April.
“Disaster Management teams will continue to work closely with the South African Weather Service to alert communities should the cut-off low-pressure system result in a severe weather warning.”
TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN DRIVING
All road users are requested to take extra caution:
- Reduce speed
- Switch on your headlights
- Pedestrians should be careful when crossing the road
- Avoid crossing rivers and streams where water is above your ankles
Households were urged to open/make pathways to allow water to flow out of their yards.
Here is a checklist for residents to prepare for the extreme rainfall:
- Make sure that drainage pipes on your property are not blocked
- Make sure that the stormwater gutters around your property are free from debris
- Check for dead or burnt trees that have the potential of falling onto your property and causing damage
- Place sandbags where necessary to protect critical areas
- Check the terms of your insurance policy with regard to flood and mud damage
- In informal settlements, raise the floor level of your home to be higher than the land outside
- Listen to weather warnings that are issued by the South African Weather Service
ALSO READ: WATCH: Tropical cyclones could hit KZN in the future – experts warn
