KZN weather warnings for Tuesday: Alert issued for flooding, severe storms

A series of KZN weather warnings have been issued for the province on Tuesday, after conditions took a turn for the worst on the East Coast. The region has been battered by torrential rain, tornados, and even the odd “microburst” in the past month – and their misfortune looks set to continue this afternoon.

Gale-force winds have been forecast across the coast, putting residents in Durban at risk of structural damage. There’s also a warning in place for high seas, with waves crashing into the shore at four metres tall. Locals are advised to steer clear of the beachfront over the next 24 hours or so.

KZN weather warnings for Tuesday 3 December

Eastern regions of KZN are set to face the threat of localised flooding. Meanwhile, parts of the province’s Midlands have been told to expect severe thunderstorms as the day rumbles on. As confirmed by the SA Weather Service (Saws) The following KZN weather warnings are in place from 13:00 – 23:00 on Tuesday 3 December:

• Damaging winds: A strong South-to-South-Westerly gale is expected between Port Edward and Maputo from Tuesday.
• Heavy rain: Leading to localised flooding and reduced visibility is expected over the eastern parts of KZN from this afternoon.
• Severe thunderstorms: Heavy downpours are expected over Uthukela, UMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala towards the evening.
• High seas: Heavy swell in excess of four metres is expected between Port Edward and Kosi Bay from this afternoon.

Strong winds already active along the coastline between Port Elizabeth and Durban. Gale force winds expected between Eastern Cape right up to St Lucia KZN today. @SAWeatherServic @NSRI pic.twitter.com/eivTGs0FgA

— SA Weather🌩️sawx.co.za (@sawx_sa_weather) December 3, 2019

How much rain will fall in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday

The rain has the potential to threaten the safety of locals, too. Dozens were killed during the flooding which occurred in April, and November also racked up a list of fatalities because of the extreme weather conditions. Underburg and regions near the Lesotho border are set to pummeled by more than 50mm of rain on Tuesday – that’s according to both Ventusky and the KZN weather warnings issued by Saws.

Durban and Pietermaritzburg are likely to see a downpour of more than 20mm. These cities aren’t in immediate danger, but a lot of rain is expected to fall in a short space of time. It’s likely to make driving conditions treacherous, and all motorised have been asked to exercise caution when taking to the roads today.