The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has increased the disruptive rain warning for KwaZulu-Natal to red level 10. Residents were told to be cautious and expect an orange level 5, now switching from an orange level 5 to a red level 10 means more danger to life, infrastructure and property.

Red level 10 is more dangerous as this can cause loss of livelihoods and livestock, roads and bridges can also be damaged. The red level 10 warning will be in place from Saturday evening, 21 May until 22 May at 23:59.

SAWS said widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across KZN. “Some stations have recorded significant rainfall amounts and models indicate accumulations of more than 200mm in some places along the KZN coast. Considering the vulnerability of some of these areas after recent events severe impacts can be expected over coastal areas and north-eastern parts of KZN today and tomorrow,” said SAWS.

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Sihle Zikalala has urged KZN residents to be cautious. “As the government of KwaZulu-Natal, we urge the residents to be cautious and be in safe spaces,” he said.

The areas that will be affected most are Hluhluwe, Ethekwini, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Nongoma, Ulundi, Umdoni and uPhongolo. “Residents in low-lying areas are urged to seek shelter on higher ground and community halls have been  opened for those that need shelter,” said Cogta (KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs)

Residents of Ethekwini are urged to avoid the North Beach road Umdloti.

Red level 10 disruptive rain warning: for parts of KZN coast and adjacent interior today and tomorrow (21-22 May 2022). pic.twitter.com/peBX5l6wwk

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) May 21, 2022