WEATHER: KZN braces for more heavy rain, storms and flooding

KwaZulu-Natal faces another wet and unsettled day as heavy rain and thunderstorms continue across parts of the province.

Rainfall chances range from 70% to 98%, with some areas expected to receive between 15mm and 30mm or more.

Temperatures will remain low, with a high of around 12°C and a low of 9°C. Moderate to strong southerly winds will also blow, with stronger gusts possible.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several warnings for the province as the rain continues through Friday.

Heavy rain raises flooding concerns

SAWS has placed the south coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal under an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain.

The warning covers conditions that could flood roads and both formal and informal settlements. Fast-flowing streams and deep water could also create dangerous conditions and put lives at risk.

The rain could displace affected communities and cause losses to livelihoods and livestock.

An Yellow Level 4 warning also covers the eastern and southern parts of the province. SAWS expects similar disruptive rain in these areas, with flooding possible in settlements and on roads.

With rainfall of 15mm to 30mm or more possible in some areas, motorists should be prepared for difficult travel where water collects on roads or crosses low-lying routes.

Thunderstorms could bring hail and strong winds in KwaZulu-Natal

Parts of KwaZulu-Natal could also see severe thunderstorms.

SAWS has issued another Yellow Level 4 warning covering north-western KwaZulu-Natal, as well as parts of the eastern and northern Free State and the southern Highveld of Mpumalanga.

The thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail.

These conditions could cause injuries and damage property, while heavy rain could lead to localised flooding.

The warning also highlights the risk to roads, particularly where water gathers quickly or flows across susceptible roads and bridges.

Cold, wet and windy conditions continue

The rain will also come with strong winds and unusually cold conditions for the province.

Temperatures could fall to around 9°C, while southerly winds will reach moderate to strong speeds, with higher gusts possible.

SAWS has separately advised that very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected over the south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The combination of rain, wind and low temperatures could make conditions uncomfortable and difficult for people travelling or spending time outdoors

What Durban can expect

Durban is in for another wet and unsettled day as heavy rain continues across KwaZulu-Natal.

Rain chances are between 70% and 98%, with around 15mm to 30mm or more possible in some areas. Temperatures could reach just 12°C, while the minimum could drop to 9°C.

The rain will also come with moderate to strong southerly winds and stronger gusts, making conditions colder and potentially difficult for people travelling around the city.

The biggest concern is flooding. Low-lying roads, bridges and residential areas could take on water as the rain continues. eThekwini has placed its emergency services on high alert and is monitoring areas vulnerable to flooding