KZN storm: Schools shut ahead of Thursday's severe thunderstorm

Weather forecasters say the severe showers and thundershowers might lead to localised flooding over most parts of KZN, except the extreme western region.

KZN Education says teaching is being cancelled at all schools as a precautionary measure, following this week's torrential downpour in parts of the province.

The department's spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi says they have received information suggesting heavy rains could hit KZN as early as lunchtime today.

He says that is why they have asked parents whose children are not writing exams to fetch them immediately.

"We do not want to have an eventuality that we were warned about [the extreme conditions] and we never took any steps."

“If something does not happen it's all fine, but we are taking a safety measure to then say what if it happens, so that learners will not experience difficulties when that is happening and they are not being able to go home and parents not being able to reach their children from school," he said.

The eThekwini Municipality has issued a notice advising people to be extra cautious.

“Public is urged to note that severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours are expected over most parts of KwaZulu-Natal from Thursday afternoon, 14 November into Friday afternoon. Improvement is expected from Friday evening. However, there will still be some rain in places over KwaZulu-Natal.”

“The potential impact of the severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours could result in the flooding of roads which in turn could lead to major travel disruptions and incidents. Flooding of settlements, both formal and informal, as well as the closure of low lying bridges is possible."

"The public is urged to be cautious as the inclement weather may result in fast-flowing streams and deep water. The storms which will be accompanied by lightning, hail and strong winds may pose danger to life, vehicles and structural damage,” the municipalty said.