KZN disaster teams on high alert amid severe weather warning

Dark clouds during a stormy day.

KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management teams have been put on high alert following a weather warning for severe thunderstorms in the western and southern parts of the province on Sunday.

The provincial Cogta department says a Level 5 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours of more than 50 millimetres, hail and damaging winds.

Cogta Spokesperson Senzelwa Mzila says the areas include the South Coast, the Midlands, areas along the northern Drakensberg and from Ladysmith to Newcastle.

Mzila says a Level 2 warning has been issued for the rest of the province for severe thunderstorms, lightning and localised flooding.

“Disaster management teams are closely monitoring a number of routes and a number of areas that are prone to weather related incidents. The MEC for Cogta is urging communities to exercise utmost caution as the weather conditions do pose a serious risk to human lives. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to utilise roads safely,” says Mzila.

Orange level 5 warning: Severe thunderstorms
Affected area: KwaZulu-Natal
Validity period: 08 February 2026.#saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/bWYDF5dNSo

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 7, 2026