Thunderstorms, heat and hail for these parts of SA today

The Weather Services has warned that heat, hail and severe thunderstorms are expected today in several parts of SA.

By: Corné van Zyl

Heat, HAIL, and severe thunderstorms are expected TODAY in several parts of South Africa. 

THE HEAT, HAIL AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TO AFFECTED SEVERAL PROVINCES

According to the SA Weather Services (SAWS), extreme heatwave conditions are expected in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, while severe thunderstorms with a combination of damaging winds and hail are expected in parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. 

ALSO READ: Weather: Thunderstorms expected today in THESE parts of SA

The extreme heatwave conditions will affect the following areas:  

• Jozini / Makatini
• Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
• Big Five Hlabisa – Hluhluwe / Hluhluwe
• Nongoma
• Abaqulusi / Vryheid/Abaqulusi
• eDumbe / Paulpietersburg
• uPhongolo
• Abaqulusi / Vryheid/Abaqulusi
• Ulundi
• uMhlathuze / Richards Bay / Kwa Mbonambi
• Mthonjaneni / Melmoth
• Nkandla
• Mandeni / Mandini
• uMshwathi / New Hanover
• Ethekwini / King Shaka Airport
• Richmond
• Ubuhlebezwe / Ixopo
• Umzumbe / St Faith’s (Cathula)
• Umdoni / Dumisa/Pennington
• Ubuhlebezwe / Ixopo
• Ray Nkonyeni / Paddock / Margate

“A combination of damaging winds and hail are expected to result in localised damage to property, infrastructure, settlements (informal), vehicles and livestock. 

“Localised communication and power interruptions, localised loss of agricultural production. Localised injuries (humans and livestock) due to excessive lightning are also possible.” 

SAWS

The SAWS also warned that damage due to hail could be expected, and falling trees may block roads.

‘IF POSSIBLE STAY INDOORS AND AWAY FROM METAL OBJECTS’

“If possible, stay indoors, away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf, as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or excessive lightning can accompany the storms.”