Weather Warning: Severe thunderstorms expected for KZN

KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams have been placed on standby following a KZN weather alert, Ladysmith Gazette reports.

Severe thunderstorms are expected in areas west of the province today (October 12).

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said residents in Amajuba, uThukela, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Impendle, uMngeni, Mpofana, Umzimkhulu and Greater Kokstad should brace themselves for the possibility of hail and localised flooding.

MEC for Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube says teams are ready to jump into action should there be any flooding or severe hail.

READ MORE: Helping dogs weather the storm

Dube-Ncube urges communities in the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal to take the necessary precautions.

Officials are monitoring the situation, especially in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

The department has been in contact with several municipalities – including Amajuba, uThukela, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Impendla and the Greater Kokstad area, among others – to ensure they are properly prepared.

Dube-Ncube advises parents to ensure that their children use safe roads to get to and from school.

He says teachers must not release pupils in dangerous conditions.

Meanwhile, in Ladysmith, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy throughout the day and there is a 60% chance of rain.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.