By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall affecting parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from tonight through to Wednesday evening.
It has been upgraded from an earlier Yellow Level 4 warning.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said the disruptive rain alert covers Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The recent updated models are indicating much more significant rainfall accumulation over our coastal areas. So, this alert is valid for areas or rather the municipalities, including Ugu, eThekwini, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, and parts of Mtubatuba and Hlabisa. And this warning is valid for this afternoon, evening, as well as extending to tomorrow” said forecaster Ayanda Nsele.
In recent weeks, severe winter storms tore through parts of my country, claiming at least 10 lives and devastating the lives of many South Africans already living on the margins.
KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said provincial disaster management teams are closely monitoring the developing weather system and remain on standby.
Buthelezi has urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded roads, low-lying bridges and fast-flowing streams, particularly where water is above ankle depth.
Residents living in flood-prone or vulnerable areas are advised to take precautionary measures by moving valuable belongings above expected flood levels and relocating livestock to higher ground where possible.
A study published in 2025 analysed weather-related disasters that had hit South Africa from 1980 to 2023. The report found that between 2020 and 2023 (exactly four years), there had been as many floods as those in the 10 years between 2000 and 2009. The study also found that extreme weather events were expected to increase as the global climate continued to warm.