SEVERE thunderstorms and HAIL expected in KZN on Monday Photos: Stock/Canva
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level 2 warning for SEVERE thunderstorms and HAIL for KwaZulu-Natal and several other parts of the country on Monday afternoon.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL ARE EXPECTED AROUND MIDDAY
It warned that flooding of roads and low-lying bridges is possible due to heavy downpours closure of roads and bridges.
“Travel disruptions due to poor driving visibility or road obstructions are possible, as well as flooding of informal settlements.
“Damages to or loss of infrastructure due to hail and strong winds -Excessive lightning causing danger to life and damage property.”
SAWS
THESE AREAS IN IN KZN WILL BE AFFECTED THIS AFTERNOON
These areas in KwaZulu-Natal will be affected from 14:00 until midnight:
Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
Jozini / Makatini
Big Five Hlabisa – Hluhluwe / Hluhluwe
Abaqulusi / Vryheid/Abaqulusi
Mtubatuba / Riverview
uMhlathuze / Richards Bay / Kwa Mbonambi
Nquthu / Nqutu
Alfred Duma – Indaka / Ekuvukeni
Alfred Duma – Ladysmith / Ladysmith
eDumbe / Paulpietersburg
These parts of South Africa will be affected by a High-level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms with hail and excessive lightning:
THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE THUNDERSTORMS AND HAIL
These parts of South Africa will be affected:
Thembisile Hani / Tweefontein
Steve Tshwete / Middelburg
Emalahleni / Emalahleni/Witbank
Govan Mbeki / Secunda
Msukaligwa / Ermelo
Mkhondo / Mkhondo/Piet Retief
Lekwa / Standerton
Pixley Ka Seme / Amersfoort
eDumbe / Paulpietersburg
The SAWS advised the public to stay indoors if possible and off the roads.
“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. Move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level in buildings.”
SAWS
The level 5 warning is in place from midday on Monday until midnight.
THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE LEVEL 2 WARNING
Meanwhile, a level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms is in place for more parts of the country.
The following areas will be affected by the level 2 warning:
Musina
Makhado
Blouberg / Alldays
Lephalale
Polokwane – Moletji / Moletji
Molemole / Dendron
Mogalakwena / Mokopane
Lephalale
Thabazimbi
Modimolle/Mookgopong – Vaalwater / Vaalwater
Makhuduthamaga / Makhuduthamaga/Jane Furse
Thaba Chweu / Sabie
Ramotshere Moiloa / Zeerust
Local Municipality of Madibeng / Hartebeespoort
City of Tshwane / Pretoria
Emakhazeni / Machadodorp
Ramotshere Moiloa / Zeerust
Kgetlengrivier / Koster
Mogale City / Mogale City/Krugersdorp
Victor Khanye / Delmas
Albert Luthuli / Carolina
Ekurhuleni / Kempton park
Rustenburg
Ventersdorp/Tlokwe / Ventersdorp
Metsimaholo / Metsimaholo/Sasolburg
Mafube / Mafube/Frankfort
Phumelela / Warden
Newcastle
Nketoana / Reitz
Maluti a Phofung / Van Reenen
Endumeni / Dundee/eNdumeni
Ulundi
Mtubatuba / Riverview
Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
uPhongolo
Nquthu / Nqutu
uMlalazi / Eshowe
The SAWS warned that large amounts of small hail and excessive lightning are expected and it could cause localised damages to property.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CAR DURING HAIL
Tips for avoiding hail damage to your car.
Drive slowly — slower driving minimises the damage of hail and helps cope with slippery roads.
Find a safe, covered area immediately or pull over under an overpass, provided it is safe.
Undercover parking at malls and petrol stations are good temporary solutions to protecting your car during a hail storm.
Stay in the vehicle. Large hail stones can injure.
Keep fleecy blankets in your boot so you can cover your car to minimise the impact of hail.
Take careful note of the extent of the damage to your car, look for damage to all glass items including side mirrors, tail lights and head lights. Taking pictures may be useful.
If you are affected by hail, report it at once to your insurer.