KwaZulu-Natal residents are bracing for a wave of dangerous weather conditions this week, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall set to begin on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The forecast indicates widespread rain across large parts of the province, with a high risk of flooding, infrastructure damage, and severe traffic disruptions. Adding to the concerns, Snow Report SA has predicted light to moderate snowfall in certain areas, particularly in high-lying regions like the Drakensberg and along the KwaZulu-Natal/Lesotho border.
In response to the impending weather, disaster management teams throughout KwaZulu-Natal are on high alert, prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, urged residents to take the warnings seriously. “We are urging all residents in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution on Tuesday,” Buthelezi stated. “Please avoid unnecessary travel, especially on dirt roads, and do not attempt to cross rivers or swollen streams where the water level is above your ankles.”
The areas under threat from severe weather include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Dannhauser, Dr N Dlamini-Zuma (Underberg), eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, eThekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele (Escourt and Sobabili), KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mpofana (Giants Castle and Mooi River), Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ray Nkonyeni, and Richmond.
In addition to the rainfall, snowfall is expected in elevated areas, particularly in the Drakensberg and places like Underberg, Sani Pass, and Giants Castle. Snow Report SA noted, “While it is unusual to see snow this early in the season, the current weather system is cold enough to support light snowfall in elevated areas.” This situation poses an increased risk of road closures and travel disruptions.
Provincial MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed that he has received a weather report from SAWS warning of a cold front that will lead to significant temperature drops. “While the SA Weather Services has not suggested the province will be blanketed in a wave of snow, we request motorists to monitor weather reports and exercise caution,” Duma said. He added that teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will also be on standby to monitor traffic and coordinate road closures if necessary.
As the Easter weekend approaches, thousands of people are expected to travel through KwaZulu-Natal, raising concerns about road safety. Duma emphasized the importance of safety measures during this busy period, stating that 120 law enforcement officers will be deployed at various safety operations. “We are monitoring the situation closely. Our disaster teams are on the ground and prepared to assist communities in distress,” Buthelezi reassured the public.
In a proactive measure to ensure safety on the roads, over 1,500 cars are expected to pass through the province's tollgates each hour. A 24-hour satellite station will be operational in the Mbazawna/Manguzi area, and 24-hour blue light patrols will be active between the roadworks at the N3 Keyridge and Hammarsdale, known for being a hotspot for truck crashes.
SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain over most parts of KZN, with a Yellow Level 2 warning also in effect for areas along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. The inclement weather poses a risk of flooding in roads and settlements, potentially disrupting traffic flow and causing localized damage to properties.
As the weather changes dramatically, authorities are taking steps to mitigate the impact of the severe conditions. Duma explained that graders will be stationed along hotspot routes to ensure a swift response to snow accumulation. “Drivers of motor graders have been sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates on the road,” he noted, with more than 10 graders prepared for deployment.
The severe weather alerts from SAWS indicate that heavy downpours could lead to flooding of susceptible areas, roads, and bridges, as well as temporary disruptions to municipal services. This warning comes on the heels of previous incidents where heavy snowfall stranded thousands of commuters on the N3, leading to fatalities during the long weekend in September.
In light of these developments, residents are reminded to stay informed and heed safety warnings. The combination of heavy rainfall and possible snowfall presents a unique challenge, with authorities urging everyone to prioritize safety during this unpredictable weather event. As the situation unfolds, local authorities remain vigilant, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the severe weather conditions.
