South Africa faces severe thunderstorms and disruptive rain warnings

South Africa is facing widespread severe weather driven by a cut-off low system, prompting various warnings from the South African Weather Service. A Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain has been issued for the Central Karoo in the Western Cape and eastern Namakwa in the Northern Cape, where rainfall of up to 80 millimetres could lead to flooding, displaced communities, and the closure of roads and bridges.

Other regions are under significant alerts. Yellow Level 2 warnings for severe thunderstorms, lightning, and localized flooding affect the City of Cape Town, the West Coast, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including Durban, where residents reported large hail and flooding on the N3. Additionally, Yellow Level 2 warnings for damaging winds are in effect for the North West, Free State, Limpopo, and parts of the Eastern Cape.

Coastal areas between Port Edward and Richards Bay are also under warning for damaging winds and waves, which may disrupt small harbours and navigation. The weather system is expected to cause localized damage to infrastructure, power disruptions, and potential risks to human and livestock safety.