Pretoria: The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to exercise extreme caution on flood-prone roads and in low-lying areas as heavy rainfall is forecast across the metro and surrounding parts of southern KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday and Friday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the alert follows a Level 4 Impact-Based Warning for disruptive rainfall issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which is in effect from midnight on Thursday, 17 September, until 11.59pm on Friday, 18 September 2026. The municipality has activated its Disaster Management Center and placed Fire and Emergency Services, alongside all key municipal frontline units, on high alert.
The severe weather is being driven by a combination of a strong ridging high-pressure system, a coastal low-pressure system, and a cut-off low over the interior. Together, these systems are expected to bring widespread, heavy rainfall to the region over the two-day period. The SAWS warned that heavy downpours may lead to the flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and residential areas, including informal settlements.
Conditions could also lead to fast-flowing streams and deep-water hazards that pose a threat to life, as well as localized damage to property, municipal infrastructure, and livestock. Some communities could experience temporary disruptions to essential services and access, particularly in areas that become isolated by floodwaters.
The municipality has reassured residents that operational teams, including Fire, Disaster Management, and Metro Police Directorates, have been fully mobilized to respond to the incidents. Municipal crews will continuously monitor high-risk zones, waterways, and infrastructure historically vulnerable to flooding. Emergency response teams are stationed across the city for rapid deployment should localized incidents occur.
Residents have been asked to remain calm, stay off the roads where possible, and strictly adhere to safety precautions. The municipality has advised residents to avoid high-risk routes, never cross fast-flowing water, prepare early, secure property, drive with extreme caution, and stay updated through official eThekwini Municipality channels for verified updates.