WATCH: Severe storm warning – batten down the hatches

THE South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for the Zululand region this afternoon.

This follows torrential downpours in Durban which have resulted in part of the N2 (near Galleria Mall) being closed due to localised flooding, with KZN Disaster Management having officially declared the Ugu District Municipality (South Coast) a disaster zone.

Meanwhile a SAWS forecaster told the ZO that the storm is expected to reach the area this afternoon.

‘Most of the rainfall is in Durban at the moment.

‘We are expecting the storm, of winds of up to 70km/h, to move towards the Richards Bay area and even further north by this afternoon.

‘About 60-70ml of rain is expected in your region – but by the looks of things, it could be much more than that.’

The King Cetshwayo District Disaster Management Centre has urged that all efforts be taken to stay indoors this afternoon as the weather conditions worsen.

The District has further asked the Department of Education to close all rural schools as soon as possible.

A request has been sent to DOE District Office.

Search and Rescue members within the district are on standby to assist with any issues following the storm.

Eskom in the region are also are on high alert and people are advised to take the necessary precautionary measures by stocking up on candles and cooking gas as such storms are unpredictable and could damage electrical infrastructure.

People are also being advised to add extra weight to loose roof sheeting and scaffolding, parking vehicles undercover, bringing pets indoors and securing doors and windows.

The City of uMhlathuze tweeted a short while ago, warning locals of heavy rains and wind which might reach the City this afternoon, advising people to stay indoors and to be extra careful on the roads.

According to City spokesperson, Mdu Ncalane, locals must stay alert.

‘The City of uMhlathuze urgently urges all residents, businesses, visitors and road users to stay alert of heavy rains accompanied by strong damaging winds coming towards the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal up to Maputo.

‘Residents are also urged to ensure that they stay indoors and close all windows and doors. Pets and all other animals need to be kept safely and preferable under shelter until the storm passes.

‘Residents are also cautioned against driving or walking anywhere for the duration of the storm.

‘Those who are on the road will need to find the nearest shelter such as fueling stations, etc. until the storm is over.

‘The City of uMhlathuze Disaster Team including Fire and Traffic Police are on standby for any eventualities.

‘Residents are also requested to adhere to all evacuations orders as these are meant at saving their lives,’ said Ncalane.

Residents are requested to please only call the Disaster Management through the Fire Department control room as well as the Call Centre for any assistance:

Call Centre: 035-907 5000

Disaster Management: 035-907 5728

Fire and Rescue Department: 035-907 5722

For urgent assistance communities can contact the following disaster personel

Provincial Disaster Center:  0800 005133

Ethekwini:  0834615073 ( Mr V Ngubane)

Ugu:  0823324000 (Mr Makhosi Mgobhozi)

uMgungundlovu: 0828860747 ( Lindiwe Serero)

Uthukela:  0763318177 (Bongi Hlomuka)

uMzinyathi: 0828422859 (Mzwandile Hadebe)

Amajuba:  0836041904 (OT Hadebe)

Zululand: 0828132925 (Sipho Dlamini)

uMkhanyakude:  0769253252 (Sfiso Ngema)

King Cetshwayo:  0726252983 (Thabo Mlambo)

Ilembe : 071 879 7155 (Sfiso Gqubula)

Harry Gwala:  0828057892 (Thandi Dzanibe)

If you want to share your storm story or pictures, whatsapp us on 072 069 4169.