The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued the latest in a series of Yellow Level 2 warnings for thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng on Wednesday, 19 October.

MORE THUNDERSTORMS ON WEDNESDAY

The warning is valid from 14:00 until 22:00 on Wednesday. The weather service said scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the western parts of KZN.

The affected municipalities include Amajuba, Uthukela, Harry Gwala, Umgungundlovu and parts of Umzinyathi.

The weather service put out the same warning for parts of Sedibeng, the southern-west of the West Rand spreading to the City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and the remainder of the West Rand.

Yellow(L2) warning: Severe Thunderstorms: 19/10/2022 15h00 TO:19/10/2022 21h00 – slow moving thunderstorms, which may result in localized flooding, are observed over parts of Sedibeng, southern West Rand spreading to City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and the remainder of West Rand

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) October 19, 2022

There is the possibility of “very slow moving severe thunderstorms” in the affected areas with heavy downpours that could result in localised flooding, damaging winds and excessive lightning.

The potential impacts of the thunderstorms include:

• Possible damage to infrastructure and settlements.
• Possible flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying bridges and areas due to the heavy rain.
• Minor vehicle accidents.
• Difficult driving conditions could result in longer travelling times.
• Possible injury due to flying debris.
• Falling trees could block minor roads.