LISTEN: Tropical Storm Eloise upgraded to severe, will affect parts of KZN

The weather office also confirmed that the storm which is expected to hit Mozambique today has been upgraded from a ‘moderate’ to a ‘severe’ warning alert.

Weather forecaster, Thandi Gumede from SAWS says the north-eastern parts of the province will be affected.

“Areas like Manguzi, Sodwana Bay, Jozini, Eshowe, Richards Bay and Ulundi. Possibly extending to the northern exterior, covering areas like Vryheid and maybe even up to Nquthu, that will only start affecting South Africa on Sunday,” Gumede said.

SAWS is expecting heavy rains in those parts, but no alerts have been put in place for now – but forecasters are monitoring the storm and will update tomorrow on whether they will issue a warning.

 READ: Weather Services monitors Tropical Storm Eloise, may hit SA shores

The storm made landfall in the Sava region of Madagascar yesterday.

Meteo Madagscar reported this morning that Eloise was positioned in the Mampikony district. 

“The associated average wind is 50 km / h in connection with the monsoon flow which is activated in the North-West. The residual Eloise vortex will emerge at sea at Melaky level tomorrow morning.”

It says the peak of activity is expected today with cumulative rainfall that could exceed 100 mm / 24h.

“The risk of stagnant water and widespread flooding is to be feared. Secondary risk (landslide) also exists depending on the vulnerabilities.” 

Listen to more of forecaster Thandi Gumede on the impact on KZN: