The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has upgraded its weather warning for KwaZulu-Natal's coastline to an Orange Level 6, warning of widespread flooding, infrastructure damage and dangerous travelling conditions as heavy rain is expected to batter the province on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The alert replaces the earlier Yellow Level 4 warning after updated weather models indicated significantly higher rainfall accumulations along the coast.
SAWS forecaster Ayanda Nsele said the warning covers several coastal municipalities, including Ugu, eThekwini, iLembe, King Cetshwayo and parts of Mtubatuba and Hlabisa.
"The recent updated models are indicating much more significant rainfall accumulation over our coastal areas. This alert is valid for municipalities including Ugu, eThekwini, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, and parts of Mtubatuba and Hlabisa. The warning is valid for this afternoon, this evening, and extends into tomorrow," Nsele said.
Forecasters have warned that persistent heavy downpours could result in flooding of roads, low-lying bridges and informal and formal settlements, while also causing damage to infrastructure.
The province's central and southern regions remain under a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall.
The Yellow Level 2 alert has also been expanded to include parts of the uThukela District, including Mooi River, Estcourt and Royal Natal.
Meanwhile, a separate Yellow Level 2 warning remains in place for disruptive snowfall over parts of southwestern KwaZulu-Natal.
Snow is expected from Tuesday evening into Wednesday in Kokstad, Underberg, Giant's Castle, Royal Natal and parts of Impendle.
SAWS warned that icy road conditions could lead to traffic disruptions and may negatively affect livestock and agricultural activities.
Nsele said temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with some areas forecast to experience daytime temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said disaster management teams have been placed on high alert and are closely monitoring flood-prone communities and other high-risk areas across the province.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid travelling through flooded roads and low-water crossings, remain vigilant and monitor official weather updates as severe conditions continue to develop.