Disaster management teams in KwaZulu-Natal have been placed on high alert as parts of the province prepare for severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds.
Weather forecasters have issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for most of the province, excluding the western and extreme north-eastern regions. Parts of the eastern region are under a more severe Yellow Level 4 warning.
Forecaster Wisani Maluleke says the Level 2 warning covers parts of uThukela, Amajuba, the western half of Zululand, uMzinyathi and uMgungundlovu.
The storms could result in flooding, road and bridge closures, damage to infrastructure and vehicles, and pose a threat to human life and livelihoods.
Maluleke says the affected areas could include Ugu, eThekwini, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude, Zululand, uMzinyathi, uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala.
uMkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor Siphile Mdaka says disaster management teams are prepared to respond to weather-related incidents.
Mdaka says four municipalities in the district; Big 5 Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, uMhlabuyalingana and Jozini have received weather warnings.
He adds that authorities will also monitor the impact of the weather on ongoing examinations, particularly the matric exams, to ensure learners can continue writing where conditions allow.
Mdaka says the district will work with local municipalities and the Department of Education to intervene where necessary.
Meanwhile, uMgungundlovu District Municipality's Brian Zuma says the district is also on high alert.
Zuma says the affected areas include uMngeni, uMshwathi, Msunduzi, Richmond and Mkhambathini.
He says early warning messages are being distributed through official communication channels, including social media, to alert communities to the potential dangers associated with severe thunderstorms.
Residents are urged to remain alert, follow official weather updates and exercise caution, particularly when travelling through areas prone to flooding.