Weather warnings issued as temperatures plummet around KZN
Much of KwaZulu Natal, like other parts of the country, was turned into a winter wonderland with heavy snowfall just outside of Pietermaritzburg.
Thousands of snow-seekers ventured out to Nottingham Road, Impendle, Boston, Bulwer, Underberg and further afield to Kokstad to catch some of the fun in the snow that started falling on Sunday.
Bringing an icy chill with it for eThekwini, the South African Weather Services (SAWS) had earlier issued multiple warnings for severe weather conditions in the province.
Forecasting that Tuesday will be slightly warmer in Durban and surrounding areas at 19 degrees, with the mercury rising very slightly for the rest of the week, residents have been advised to take the necessary precautions.
Areas such as Kokstad and Underberg have been place on high alert as difficult driving conditions are expected in places due to icy conditions which could be a risk to hikers, vulnerable livestock and homeless people, as temperatures will be below -1°C.
In addition, the SAWS have warned that localised disruption is expected at small harbours and ports due to heavy winds. Small vessels might experience difficulty in navigating in the water. Localised disruption is also expected on beaches.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has also issued a statement warning residents in the northern part of the province of disruptive rains that could result in flooding.
This after SAWS issued a weather warning, predicting disruptive rain and localised flooding in parts of uMkhanyakude and Cetshwayo district municipalities on Monday.
Communities in the Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Mtubatuba, Umhlabuyalingana District, uMhlathuze, and uMlalazi Local Municipality may be affected. Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the east of KZN on Monday, continuing into Tuesday.
Some areas around uMkhanyakude and King Cetshwayo are expected to receive significant amounts of rain on Tuesday, potentially leading to localised flooding.
The department confirmed that it has activated all disaster management centres in the municipalities that might be affected, to respond to any problems that may arise as a result of heavy rains.
Communities are advised to avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water level is above ankle height.
In rural areas, residents are encouraged to protect or relocate animals to higher ground. In buildings, it is recommended that people move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood levels.