Severe thunderstorms expected in parts of KwaZulu-Natal

Severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) this evening, with warnings of heavy downpours, localised flooding, hail and dangerous lightning.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued Yellow Level 4 and Level 2 warnings for severe thunderstorms.

Weather forecaster Ayanda Nsele says winds reaching 60 kilometres per hour have already been recorded in Ladysmith and Newcastle.

Yellow Level 4 warning: Severe thunderstorms Affected area: KwaZulu-Natal (southern parts) Validity period: 19 October 2026 #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather https://t.co/O8CRis9hwF — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) October 19, 2026 She warns that strong winds could cause damage and increase the risk of runaway fires.

“For the northern part of KZN, which includes uThukela, Amajuba, Zululand, parts of uMzinyathi, King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude … for those areas, we have a Yellow Level 2 alert, and for the southern half of the province, we have a Yellow Level 4 alert, which is a low likelihood of significant impact.

Thunderstorms are expected over the course of the afternoon until the evening, and we do expect them to be accompanied by heavy downpours leading to localised flooding, severe lightning and hail in places,” she says.

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