KZN weather alerts: Severe storm warnings for Wednesday 13 November

There is simply no respite for beleaguered residents from the KZN weather this week. Wednesday is a day sandwiched between a powerful downpour and the devastating effects of a tornado. The relentless conditions mean that a whole stack of weather alerts remain in place today, on 13 November.

[TORNADO UPDATE] ER24, Search & Rescue, the SPCA and Disaster management all on scene this morning. A temporary comand centre has been set up at a local church and two more people have been reported injured, bringing the total to 22 injured and 2 dead. pic.twitter.com/wG95LAqPaH

— ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. (@ER24EMS) November 13, 2019

KZN weather: Alerts and warnings in place for Wednesday 13 November

A plethora of KZN weather alerts have been issued on Wednesday, many of which could be upgraded to warnings later in the day. Severe thunderstorms are to be expected across most of the province, and the early threat of flooding could strike low-lying areas before the main event on Thursday.

Weather watches and advisories have been issued for most of the KZN weather forecast today – some could be upgraded to warnings later – Photo: SAWS

KZN on standby

In a rare sight, the entire length and breadth of KwaZulu-Natal is on alert for these severe conditions. Regions to the north have even been told to expect hail at some point over the next 48 hours. The warnings and alerts in place for thunderstorms this afternoon come into force from 13:00.

WATCH:13/11/2019 13h00 TO:13/11/2019 00h00 Severe Thunderstorms- are possible over most of KZN from the afternoon (Wed). Please note that severe thunderstorms can produce a variety of elements. Warnings will be issued when these thunderstorms are conducive for these elements. pic.twitter.com/1RNOrSFSuR

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 13, 2019

What is the difference between a weather warning and a weather watch?

A “weather watch” is an alert which calls for preparedness to weather hazards that will most likely occur within one-to-three days. These advisories have the potential to lead to disruptive and disastrous conditions, and although they aren’t classed with any severity, they should always be adhered to.

Meanwhile, a “weather warning” is an alert calling for the reaction due to high certainties of a severe weather hazard which is already occurring or imminent within 24 hours, and that could lead to disruptive and disastrous conditions.