Cyclone Freddy: KZN expected to be WORST affected

Cyclone Freddy, currently moving over Madagascar, is expected to impact parts of South Africa over the weekend.

By: Michelle Swart

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Cyclone Freddy to bring heavy rain and potential flooding

The storm has been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still likely to bring heavy rain and the potential for flooding.

Provinces, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, which are still recovering from widespread flooding, have been advised to prepare for more severe weather conditions.

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According to a report by Arrive Alive, KwaZulu-Natal are expected to be the worst affected.

Lehlohonolo Thobela, a forecaster at the South African Weather Services (SAWS), has reported that the storm has reached Madagascar and is moving towards Mozambique.

It is expected to make landfall in Mozambique on Friday before impacting South Africa over the weekend.

What you need to know

Tropical Cyclone Freddy is intensifying and expected to make landfall in the northeast of Inhambane province on Friday.

As of the latest update, the maximum winds averaged over 10 minutes estimated at sea are 100 km/h,.

Maximum gusts at sea are estimated at 150 km/h, and the estimated pressure at the center is 986 hPa.

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Freddy is currently located approximately 200 km from the coast of Mozambique.

It is expected to make landfall at the tropical cyclone stage.

The system is projected to weaken over South Africa after making landfall, but it is still expected to pose a severe rainfall threat to southern Mozambique, southeastern Zimbabwe, and extreme northeastern South Africa.

Local authorities in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are urging residents to monitor the situation closely and remain vigilant to any instructions or advice issued by local authorities.

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The threat of heavy rainfall and flooding is significant.

All necessary precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of individuals and communities in the affected regions.

As with all tropical cyclones, the situation remains fluid, and updates will be issued as the situation develops.

It is essential to stay informed and take any necessary precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of yourself and those around you.

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