Third KZN tornado in one month, tears through Utrecht area 

Disaster management teams in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) were dispatched on Saturday 23 November 2019 by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, after a tornado struck Utrecht on Friday night at about 19:00. 

This is the third tornado in KZN in the last month and according to a Cogta press statement, the tornado left large parts of the Watervaal Correctional Services facility damaged. The damage extends to 20 houses that were utilised by staff.

The South African Weather Service can confirm that a tornado did occur in the Utrecht area in KwaZulu-Natal this Friday evening (22 November 2019). (Images Source: Newcastle Advertiser). More information about this soon. pic.twitter.com/BzZ5wNiuk9

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 22, 2019

No injuries reported after tornado

Disaster management teams are in the process of assessing the extent of the damage, but it is believed that the damage is limited to Watervaal. So far, no injuries have been reported.

“Our disaster management teams are on the ground providing relevant support to the affected families. This incident comes at a time when the province is mourning the loss of 23 lives due to weather-related incidents since October, this includes the tornado that struck New Hanover, in the Midlands last week Tuesday,” said Hlomuka.

South African Weather Service confirms that a tornado occured in the Utrecht area in KwaZulu-Natal https://t.co/SzWdet8wZv #ArriveAlive #Tornado @SAWeatherServic @EMERGCONTROL pic.twitter.com/uHqB0bhMuY

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 23, 2019

Bad weather conditions in KZN to continue 

Inclement weather conditions are expected to continue across the province, with the South African Weather Service issuing a warning for severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes for large parts of the province for Saturday 23 November, that bring the possibility of strong winds, hail and heavy downpours in parts of uThukela, uMzinyathi, uMgungundlovu, Amajuba, iLembe, King Cetshwayo Zululand and the uMkhanyakude Districts.

MEC Hlomuka has warned residents to be vigilant as these weather conditions pose a serious risk to human life. 

“We are urging residents to be cautious, especially around low lying areas or when crossing bridges. Before making any long journey residents are urged to first check the weather forecast as heavy rains pose a serious risk on our roads,” said Hlomuka.

Disaster Management teams continue to be on high alert and are monitoring areas that are prone to tornadoes and weather-related incidents.

Community Aid 

According to the Newcastle Advertiser, the community has been urged to come to the aid of those who were affected by the tornado and a drop-off point has been set up at Newcastle Corner. 

Ithemba Security Services and The Pines Wedding and Conference Village have also set up another 24-hour drop off point at both business premises.

All donations will be delivered to the affected areas. Items needed include mattresses, blankets, food, clothing and any other disaster necessities.