The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to remain cautious and prioritise safety following a severe weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service.
This comes after a Yellow Level 2 alert was issued for KwaZulu-Natal, warning of severe thunderstorms expected to impact large parts of the province, including Durban.
According to the Weather Service, the storms are likely to bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and intense lightning, conditions that could result in localised flooding and damage to infrastructure, homes, and roads.
In response, the municipality has called on residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions to reduce risks during the adverse weather conditions.
Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during heavy rainfall, as roads may become flooded or slippery. Those who must travel should exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and remain aware of poor visibility.
Residents living in low-lying or flood-prone areas are encouraged to move valuables to higher ground and be prepared for possible evacuations if conditions worsen. Communities are also urged to stay away from rivers, streams, and stormwater drains, which can fill up rapidly and become dangerous.
The municipality further emphasised the importance of staying indoors during lightning storms, unplugging electrical appliances, and securing loose outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds.
Parents are advised to ensure that children remain indoors and safe, while community members are encouraged to check on elderly neighbours and vulnerable individuals.
Emergency teams are on standby, but officials stress that community cooperation and preparedness are key to preventing injuries and damage.
Residents are reminded to follow official communication channels for updates as weather conditions may change rapidly.
As the threat of severe storms looms, the message from authorities is clear: stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.
