Orange Level 5 from the South African Weather Service for KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga. Visuals by PubgentIQ AI
The South African Weather Service has issued a Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga, from 13:00 on Saturday 14 November, valid until 22:59 on 14 November.
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Orange level 5
Severe Thunderstorms
Escourt, Ekuvukeni, Ladysmith + 24 more · from 13:00 on Saturday 14 November, valid until 22:59 on 14 November
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Areas
Escourt
Ekuvukeni
Ladysmith
Dannhauser
Underberg
Paulpietersburg
Utrecht
Dundee
Kokstad
Impendle
Donnybrook
Abaqulusi
Goodhom
Giants Castle
Mooi River
Pomeroy
Newcastle
Nkandla
Nongoma
Nqutu
Royal National Park
Ulundi
Howick
New Hanover
Greytown
Umzimkhulu
uPhongolo
Expected impacts
Flooding of settlements which may lead to displacement of affected communities.
Danger to life due to fast-flowing river streams.
Mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion.
Flooding of roads and damage to bridges which may lead to road closure and the disruption of traffic flow.
Potential disruption of essential services (e.g. water, electricity and communication networks).
Large amounts of small hail/ large hail over an open area.
Lightning resulting in localised fire incidents.
What to do ▼
Where it is reasonable, stay in doors and off the road (in the road stretch where there may be sinkholes and/or potholes),
Avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams and if trapped in floods, leave the vehicle and climb to the higher ground,
In buildings (at home), place valuables above the expected flood level where they will be safe,
In rural areas, protect, relocate animals to a safe, higher ground,
Contact authorities from disaster management where things become uncontrollable.
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Orange level 5
Severe Thunderstorms
Frankfort, Reitz · from 14:00 on Saturday 14 November, valid until 20:59 on 14 November
▼
Areas
Frankfort
Reitz
Expected impacts
Flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, resulting in closure of some bridges and roads.
Damages or loss of infrastructure, settlements, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
Danger to life (fast flowing streams / deep water).
Disruption to municipal and other essential services.
Major travel disruptions.
What to do ▼
If possible stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity. Avoid any unnecessary travel. Do not cross swollen rivers/streams and/or flooded roads and bridges. Keep an eye on the SAWS website for any updates regarding severe thunderstorm development and movement. Emergency services be on high alert.
The South African Weather Service issues impact-based warnings. They say what the weather could do to people, roads and homes, not only how strong it will be. Each warning has a colour and a level from 1 to 10.
Yellow (Levels 1 to 4): minor to moderate impact. Local disruption such as flooded streets, travel delays or damage to informal homes. Stay alert.
Orange (Levels 5 to 8): significant impact. Major travel problems, power cuts, flooding in low-lying areas and damage to property are likely. Prepare and take action.
Red (Levels 9 and 10): severe impact. Widespread flooding, washed-away roads, damaged buildings and danger to life. Take emergency precautions at once.
The number also reflects how likely the impact is, so two warnings of the same colour can differ in how likely they are to happen. Always follow SAWS and your local disaster management.
