ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEVEL 6 ALERT AS DAMAGING THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED TO HIT ETHEKWINI
EThekwini Municipality urgently calls on residents to take immediate precautions following the upgrade to a Level 6 severe weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service for today, 05 May through to tomorrow evening, 06 May.
Forecast models indicate widespread, intense thunderstorms across KwaZulu‑Natal, with eThekwini expected to experience significant impacts.
Rainfall accumulation is expected to exceed 80mm, significantly increasing the likelihood of flash flooding, particularly in low‑lying and flood‑prone areas.
These conditions are expected to result in severe damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges and essential services, while also affecting both formal and informal settlements.
Heavy downpour, strong damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail are anticipated, with lightning strikes posing an additional risk of fire incidents.
Residents are strongly urged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect life and property during this period.
Communities residing in high‑risk and flood‑prone areas are advised to move to safer, higher ground where possible and to avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and bridges under any circumstances.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution, as poor visibility, flooding and slippery road surfaces are expected to create hazardous driving conditions, and unnecessary travel should be avoided.
The Municipality’s Disaster Management Directorate, Emergency Services and all relevant directorates have been placed on high alert and are prepared to respond swiftly to any incidents.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during severe storms, secure loose items around their homes, unplug electrical appliances during lightning activity, and closely monitor children, the elderly and other vulnerable persons.
The Municipality urges residents to treat this Level 6 warning with the highest level of seriousness, as the anticipated impacts pose a real and immediate threat to lives, property and infrastructure.
Residents are urged to act responsibly, remain informed and cooperate with emergency services as the situation unfolds.
This weather alert remains subject to change as conditions develop, and residents are encouraged to monitor official municipal communication platforms for updates.
In case of emergency, contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.
