Potentially life-threatening flooding, heavy rain, thunderstorms and dangerous driving conditions are expected across parts of KwaZulu-Natal as severe weather intensifies on Thursday and Friday.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall along the KZN south coast and adjacent interior. The warning includes the potential for flooding of roads and settlements, displacement of communities and danger to life.
A Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain is also in place across eastern and southern parts of the province.
Heavy rain was already being reported in several parts of KZN on Thursday morning, including around Estcourt and along the N3.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate was monitoring heavy rain and thunderstorms around Estcourt and the N3, urging motorists to slow down and increase following distances.
For truckers, conditions could become particularly hazardous. Heavy rain can quickly reduce visibility, increase stopping distances and leave standing water across carriageways. Flooded low-lying roads, bridges and drainage points may also become impassable with little warning.
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road or bridge. The depth and condition of the road underneath the water can be impossible to judge, and a heavy vehicle can also lose traction or be swept off the road in sufficiently strong flows.
The eThekwini Municipality said heavy rainfall had already resulted in road accidents and traffic disruptions, with Fire and Emergency Services and Metro Police responding to incidents across the city.
Read | KZN floods impact the trucking industry – RFA
The municipality remains under a Level 6 warning, with rainfall expected to intensify overnight and into Friday morning.
Emergency teams have been placed on high alert, particularly around flood-prone communities, waterways, roads and vulnerable infrastructure.
Authorities are urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and to never attempt to cross flooded roads, rivers, streams or bridges.
Drivers who are already on the road should reduce speed, increase following distance, switch on headlights, avoid sudden braking and be prepared for debris, potholes, standing water and sudden traffic stoppages.
Truck drivers should also be mindful of spray from other heavy vehicles, reduced visibility and the increased risk of losing control when braking or changing lanes on waterlogged roads.
The wider region is also facing severe weather. Severe thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Free State, north-western KZN and southern Mpumalanga, while disruptive rain is forecast in parts of the Eastern Cape. Very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected across several provinces.
The eThekwini Disaster Management Centre can be contacted on 031 361 0000 in an emergency.
If the road looks unsafe, don’t gamble with it. Rather park up safely and wait for conditions to improve.
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