Weather authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are urging residents to treat official storm warnings with caution after severe thunderstorms claimed at least three lives in less than a week and left hundreds displaced across parts of the province.
The latest fatality was recorded on Tuesday when 66-year-old Shonaphi Mhlongo died in Springvale near Ixopo. Over the weekend, two others 45-year-old Thembisile Khumalo and 36-year-old Mayford Khanyisani Zulu were also killed during storm-related incidents in the region.
The South African Weather Service has placed the province’s inland areas under a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms on Thursday, forecasting heavy rainfall, strong and damaging winds, hail and intense lightning.
Authorities warn that the conditions could lead to flooding of vulnerable roads, informal settlements and low-lying areas, as well as damage to homes, infrastructure and essential services.
SA Weather Service forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela stressed the importance of taking precautions at the first sign of thunder.
“If you hear thunder, it means lightning is close enough to pose a serious danger. Outdoor activities should stop immediately and people should seek shelter inside fully enclosed buildings or vehicles with closed windows,” Thobela said.
He advised residents to avoid open fields, hilltops, trees, metal structures, water bodies and temporary shelters during storms. Where no shelter is available, individuals are encouraged to crouch low with feet together, minimise contact with the ground and avoid lying flat.
“Activities should only resume at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder,” he added, noting that lightning strike victims do not carry an electric charge and can be safely assisted.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance said the recent storms have caused widespread damage in the Harry Gwala and uMgungundlovu districts. More than 460 people have been affected after their homes were partially or completely destroyed.
Local farmers have also reported losses, with several livestock killed by lightning strikes.
With unstable weather expected to continue, officials are urging communities to remain vigilant because when the skies rumble, it’s not applause, it’s a warning to head indoors.