As they continue to keep an eye on the adverse weather conditions that are hitting several areas of KwaZulu-Natal, disaster management personnel are on high alert (KZN).
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a variety of weather warnings for KZN and other provinces that are predicted to remain until Thursday, September 22. These warnings range from disruptive rainfall to thundersnow and disruptive snowfall.
Increasing weather circumstances in kzn
The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) reports that on Monday, emergency response teams went to a lightning-related event involving a family in Ward 1 of the Mkhambathini Local Municipality in the Estingini region, where one individual received minor injuries.
On Tuesday, the Harry Gwala and uThukela Districts received yet another weather alert from the SA Weather Service about disruptive snowfall.
The snow is anticipated to result on ice roads, which might cause traffic jams and the shutdown of local routes, according to KZN Cogta MEC Sihle Zikalala.
Zikalala warned locals to keep an eye on the weather and avoid making any needless travels since doing so puts them at danger of being trapped should the situation become worse.
“Disaster Management teams will continue to monitor routes with plans in place to mobilise equipment to clear roads that are blocked by the snow, should the need arise.
“In their efforts to keep warm residents are urged to exercise utmost caution, especially those that are using imbawula / brasier and generators.”
Sihle Zikalala
According to reports, heavy rain continues to fall in other areas of the province. Roads are slick, so motorists are advised to drive carefully.
The Southern Free State, KZN, and Lesotho were predicted to see thundersnow on Tuesday, according to independent forecaster VoxWeather.
Thundersnow is often accompanied by very heavy snowfall, which may decrease visibility. Thunder may occasionally be muffled by snow, yet lightning can still be seen.
When the temperature and moisture conditions are ideal, a mass of cold air on top of warm air and moist air closer to the ground, thundersnow may occur.
According to Jeff Haby of WeatherPrediction.com, convection aids in the formation of thunderstorms. Convection inside a winter storm is rare. Warm-season thunderstorms are far more likely to produce thunder and lightning.