BREAKING: ALL schools in KZN close immediately due to weather

ALL schools in KwaZulu-Natal have been instructed to close shop and send pupils home as torrential rains continue to batter the province.

BREAKING: ALL SCHOOLS IN KZN CLOSE IMMEDIATELY DUE TO WEATHER

The SA Weather Services (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall.

ALSO READ: KZN floods: Emergency contact numbers you should have!

These weather conditions could lead to widespread flooding of roads and settlements, damage to mud-based houses, and displacement of communities along the coast and northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

A HIGH-LEVEL 5 WEATHER WARNING IS IN PLACE UNTIL MIDNIGHT

“The head of the department issued a circular to close early due to the weather warnings we have received from weather services. We have done this so all teachers and pupils can be safe,”KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Weather WARNING: Heavy rain and flooding expected across SA

Severe weather Alerts for Today, 17 January 2024:

A. Yellow Level 2 (High likelihood of minor impacts): Disruptive rainfall in the east.

B. Orange Level 5 (Medium likelihood of significant impacts): Disruptive rainfall over north-eastern and coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal. pic.twitter.com/FtDmizoJnH

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 17, 2024

THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED TO STAY INDOORS

The storms are expected to hit later this afternoon, and people are requested to please stay indoors.

A LEVEL 5 WEATHER WARNING IS IN PLACE FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS 

Here is a list of the affected parts: 

• Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
• Jozini / Makatini
• Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
• uPhongolo
• eDumbe / Paulpietersburg
• Abaqulusi / Vryheid/Abaqulusi
• Nongoma
• Mtubatuba / Riverview
• Nkandla
• uMlalazi / Eshowe
• uMhlathuze / Richards Bay / Kwa Mbonambi
• uMlalazi / Eshowe
• Mandeni / Mandini
• Maphumulo
• Ethekwini / King Shaka Airport
• Mkhambathini / Camperdown
• Umdoni / Dumisa/Pennington
• Umzumbe / St Faith’s (Cathula)
• Ray Nkonyeni / Paddock / Margate

“If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. 

“In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.”

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MOTORIST HAVE BEEN WARNED TO TAKE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING  

The SAWS warned motorists to take caution when traveling or avoid traveling as roads may be flooded, with potholes being filled with water, and there may be sinkholes. 

Meanwhile, a high-level 4 warning has also been issued for disruptive rain in the following parts of South Africa on Wednesday: 

• eMadlangeni / Utrecht
• Msinga / Pomeroy
• Umvoti / Greytown
• uMngeni / Howick
• Mpofana – Mooi River / Mooi River
• Alfred Duma – Ladysmith / Ladysmith
• Inkosi Langalibalele – Sobabili / Sobabili/Goodhom
• Umzimkhulu
• Greater Kokstad / Kokstad
• Ubuhlebezwe / Ixopo

MUD-BASED HOUSED WILL POSSIBLY BE DAMAGED 

It warned that damage to mud-based houses is possible. 

“In rural areas, move livestock to higher grounds.” 

ALSO READ: VIDEO: Residents evacuated in KwaZulu-Natal floods