Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal

Disaster response teams in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are on high alert amid severe weather warnings. Very cold and windy weather is expected, with snowfall in mountainous areas and moderate to strong sea swells in affected regions.

KwaZulu-Natal disaster response teams on high alert

Most of the Eastern Cape is preparing for destructive snowfall, dangerous winds, and heavy rains. Severe weather is expected to cause transport and service disruptions from Monday to Tuesday. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for destructive snow in the Chris Hani district, as well as the municipalities of Senqu, eLundini, and Matatile.

This warning is expected to remain in effect until Tuesday, August 11, and conditions may cause serious transport problems, affect livelihoods, and temporarily render some communities inaccessible.

Destructive winds

A Yellow Level 4 warning for destructive winds and waves has also been issued along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The weather may disrupt the operation of small harbors and ports, create dangerous navigation conditions, and affect coastal activities. Infrastructure and settlements may also be affected, and flying debris poses a risk of injury and death.

A separate Yellow Level 4 warning for destructive winds covers the KZN coast and adjacent northeastern inland areas, where formal and informal settlements may be affected.

More snow and rain expected

A Yellow Level 2 warning for destructive snow is in effect in parts of the Eastern Cape, the eastern and southern Free State province along the Lesotho border, and western KwaZulu-Natal. Snow may cause localized transport difficulties, individual losses of livestock and crops, and service interruptions.

The affected Eastern Cape municipalities include Dr Beyer's Naude, Blue Crane, Raymond Mkhala, Amalathi, Intsika Yetu, Dr AB Zuma, Mkhontlo, and Mzimvubu. Additionally, a Yellow Level 2 warning for destructive rain has been issued for the municipalities of Nyandeni, Port St Johns, Ngqwa Hill, and Bizana in the Eastern Cape, as well as the southernmost and western parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Rain may lead to localized flooding in vulnerable settlements, roads, and bridges.

Severe thunderstorms capable of causing localized damage to infrastructure, informal settlements, property, and vehicles are expected to pass over the southernmost areas of the Northwest, northeastern Free State, and southern Gauteng. Another Yellow Level 2 warning for destructive winds has been issued for the Joe Gqabi districts in the Eastern Cape, Central and Eastern North Coast, Free State, and far western Northwest.

KwaZulu-Natal disaster response teams on high alert

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for KwaZulu-Natal, Thulatisede Buthelezi, announced that provincial disaster response units have been placed on high alert following receipt of a severe weather advisory. According to this advisory, a cold front accompanied by isolated low pressure is expected in the provinces of Free State, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, southern Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and inland KwaZulu-Natal until Tuesday.

Very cold and windy conditions, snowfall in the mountains, and moderate to strong sea swells are expected in the affected areas. The public and small-scale farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions. Residents in affected areas are advised to exercise caution, especially when traveling, while emergency operations centers monitor conditions during the warning period.

Authorities in KZN have urged residents to contact their local municipal dispatch center or disaster management center if immediate assistance is required.

The Eastern Cape is bracing for destructive snow, heavy rain, and adverse weather conditions as a cold front moves across parts of South Africa.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 yellow snow warning that could cause disruptions starting Sunday. Some areas are expected to receive between 25 and 35 centimeters of snow.

This warning applies to the local municipalities of Dr Beyers Naude, Chris Hani district, as well as the local municipalities of Senqu, Elundini, and Matatile.

SAWS reported that the adverse weather will persist until Tuesday. The meteorological service explained these conditions are due to a steep upper trough, which is expected to develop into an isolated low-pressure center, alongside a ridge of high pressure passing over the Eastern Cape.

Flooding and destructive winds

SAWS warned that heavy rain could lead to localized flooding in vulnerable formal and informal settlements, as well as on roads and low bridges. Furthermore, strong winds and high waves are expected to affect maritime shipping.

Possibility of snow in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng

Cloudy and cold or very cold conditions are expected in the central and eastern parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday. Isolated or scattered rain and thunderstorms are possible, which will become widespread in the Eastern Cape on Monday.

Snow is also possible in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as in the eastern districts of Free State and the southern and eastern districts of Gauteng from late Monday evening until Tuesday morning. However, SAWS noted that the probability of snowfall in Gauteng is low.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of weather warnings due to low pressure affecting several provinces. These warnings include forecasts for heavy rain, flooding, and snow.

Disaster Warnings

SAWS has declared a Level 6 warning for destructive rainfall that could lead to the inundation of roads, bridges, and settlements, as well as damage to infrastructure and property along the coast and adjacent inland areas between East London in the Eastern Cape and Cape Vidal in KwaZulu-Natal. Additionally, an Orange Level 5 warning has been issued for destructive snowfall in the extreme northeastern highlands of the Eastern Cape, which may cause transport disruptions, failures in essential services, and temporary isolation of some communities.

A Yellow Level 2 warning is also in effect for destructive snowfall in the northeastern highlands of the Eastern Cape and the Drakensberg region in KwaZulu-Natal. An additional Yellow Level 2 warning for destructive rainfall covers the southeastern parts of the Eastern Cape and eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, excluding the far northeast of the province, where localized flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements, as well as infrastructure damage, is possible.

Cold Weather Forecast

The weather service reported that from Wednesday evening, very cold and humid conditions are expected in parts of the Eastern Cape, southern KwaZulu-Natal, southern Free State, and border areas with Lesotho. Light snow is forecast in these regions as the low pressure system moves in, with weather expected to improve from the west by Thursday.

Farmers have been advised to take preventive measures to minimize potential damage from adverse weather conditions. Other areas are expected to see variable cloudiness and cool or cold weather with isolated showers and rain in Gauteng. Mist is expected along the escarpment in Mpumalanga and Limpopo with cool conditions and scattered showers.

Free State is forecast to be cold with isolated or scattered rain and thunderstorms, with possible light snow along the border with Lesotho. The Northern Cape will be cold or cool, with very cold conditions in the southern sections and isolated or scattered rain in the southeast; light snow is also possible in the far southeast of the province.

The Western Cape is expected to have good or variable cloudiness and cool or warm weather, although some areas of the Central Karoo will be cold. Overall, the Eastern Cape is expected to have cloudy, cold, or very cold conditions, with widespread rain in the eastern half and snowfall in the mountainous areas. KwaZulu-Natal will remain cloudy and cold or cool with scattered rain and showers, and only isolated precipitation is expected in the far northeast.

SAWS also specified that there are currently no fire danger warnings in effect.