The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 severe thunderstorm warning covering KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, with the eThekwini metropolitan area placed on high alert for flooding that authorities say poses serious risks to life, property and infrastructure.
The warning follows a Level 4 storm alert issued for northern KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, 13 April, which brought widespread disruption to the province. Flooding has already been reported on key arterial roads in and around Johannesburg following intense thunderstorms on Monday, with the South African Weather Service describing the incoming system as capable of producing “excessive lightning, damaging winds and hail” across a wide stretch of the country’s interior.
What residents need to know about Tuesday’s conditions
The South African Weather Service warned that residents across the four affected provinces should expect heavy downpours, strong and damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail throughout Tuesday.
In KwaZulu-Natal specifically, flooding is anticipated on roads, bridges and low-lying areas, while poor visibility and slippery road surfaces will make driving hazardous, particularly in the greater eThekwini region.
“The eThekwini Municipality has advised residents to contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre at 031 361 0000 in case of emergencies,” the municipality stated in an official communication to residents.
The municipality further urged households to remove vehicles from low-lying parking areas, clear drains around their properties, and avoid crossing flooded roads under any circumstances.
The provinces affected and what to watch
KwaZulu-Natal bears the heaviest risk on Tuesday, with the South African Weather Service’s forecast indicating that the eThekwini area, which experienced catastrophic flooding in April 2022 that killed more than 400 people, remains particularly vulnerable to flash flooding when sustained heavy rainfall combines with already-saturated ground conditions following Monday’s storms.
Mpumalanga’s escarpment region and the central and eastern parts of the Free State are also under the Level 2 warning.
In North West, localised flooding and damage to informal settlements are among the key risks identified by the weather service. All four provinces have disaster management centres on standby.
How to stay safe and where to find updates
Residents in affected areas are urged to monitor updates from the South African Weather Service at weathersa.co.za and through the SAWS social media channels throughout Tuesday.
The South African National Disaster Management Centre can be reached on 012 848 8000. All drivers are advised to turn back if they encounter flooded roads: no journey is worth the risk of being swept away in a flash flood.
Anyone with information about weather-related emergencies or requiring assistance should contact their municipal disaster management centre. In the eThekwini area, call 031 361 0000.
Anyone with information about a crime is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit a tip-off on the MySAPS app.
