Key Takeaways
- A powerful summer storm swept across parts of the KwaZulu-Natal south coast and inland on Sunday afternoon
- The storm caused flooded roads and waterlogged shopping centers, with several roads in and around Margate beginning to flood by mid-afternoon
- The storm was not limited to the coast, with reports of intense downpours and flooding in Port Edward, Pietermaritzburg, and Empangeni
- Most parts of KwaZulu-Natal were under an Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive rain, with a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms also in place
Introduction to the Storm
A powerful summer storm on Sunday afternoon swept across parts of the KwaZulu-Natal south coast and inland, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm, which brought heavy rain and strong winds, caused flooded roads and waterlogged shopping centers, disrupting daily life for many residents. In Margate, the heavy rain pounded the area for several hours, with videos and images circulating on social media showing sections of Shelly Centre in Shelly Beach underwater. The storm was a significant event, with many residents taking to social media to share their experiences and photos of the flooding.
Impact of the Storm on Margate and Surrounding Areas
The storm had a significant impact on Margate and surrounding areas, with several roads in and around the town beginning to flood by mid-afternoon. According to messages and videos shared in the KZPA WhatsApp group, the flooding was widespread, with many residents struggling to navigate the waterlogged roads. The storm was not limited to the coast, with reports of intense downpours and flooding in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal. In Port Edward, residents reported intense downpours between 2:30pm and 4pm, with some streets becoming waterlogged. Similar conditions were reported in Pietermaritzburg, where heavy rain led to flooding on parts of the road network.
Warnings and Alerts
Most parts of KwaZulu-Natal were under an Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive rain, which could lead to flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, and low-lying bridges and areas. In addition, a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain was issued, with heavy downpours expected to cause flooding in vulnerable areas. A separate Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms was also in place, with the potential for excessive lightning, strong damaging winds, and large amounts of small hail over populated areas. These warnings and alerts were issued to alert residents of the potential dangers of the storm and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Extent of the Storm
The storm was not limited to a specific area, with reports of heavy rainfall and flooding coming in from various parts of KwaZulu-Natal. In Empangeni, residents reported heavy rainfall, with flooded roads and waterlogged streets. The storm was a significant event, with many residents affected by the flooding and disruption to daily life. The extent of the storm was widespread, with many areas affected by the heavy rain and strong winds. The storm was a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather events and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the powerful summer storm that swept across parts of the KwaZulu-Natal south coast and inland on Sunday afternoon had a significant impact on the region. The storm caused flooded roads and waterlogged shopping centers, with several roads in and around Margate beginning to flood by mid-afternoon. The storm was not limited to the coast, with reports of intense downpours and flooding in Port Edward, Pietermaritzburg, and Empangeni. The warnings and alerts issued by the authorities were important in alerting residents of the potential dangers of the storm and taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The storm was a significant event, and it is essential to be prepared for severe weather events and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
