Severe Storms and Damaging Winds Expected Across KZN on Friday
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is warning KwaZulu-Natal residents to prepare for a sharp deterioration in weather conditions on Friday. Forecasters expect severe thunderstorms, strong winds and damaging waves across parts of the province.
SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in the southern parts of KZN, including areas south of Underberg and Pietermaritzburg.
Rain Set to Intensify
Forecaster Sihle Dlamini says a 30% chance of showers and rain will affect the far south of the province on Thursday evening. Conditions will intensify on Friday, with rain and thundershowers increasing to between 60% and 80% across much of the province. Dlamini says the southern and central areas face the highest chances.
Damaging Winds and Dangerous Waves
Along the coast, SAWS is also warning of damaging winds and dangerous waves. Dlamini says strong winds will affect most parts of KZN, excluding the south-western areas such as Harding, Underberg, Kokstad and Okhahlamba around Bergville.
Nationally, damaging winds are also expected over parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape from Thursday afternoon. These winds could damage temporary structures, bring down trees and create hazardous travelling conditions.
Mist and Fog on Thursday Morning
Meanwhile, calm winds and low cloud along the south-western and southern coastline caused the mist and fog residents experienced in parts of the province on Thursday morning.