BREAKING NEWS: Severe weather leaves trail of destruction on South Coast

MARGATE – Heavy rainfall hit the KwaZulu-Natal south coast on Sunday night, leaving parts of the Margate CBD, roads and businesses flooded.

The South African Weather Service issued a level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in eThekwini, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni and Umzumbe, with damaging winds, lightning, hail and heavy downpours observed along the south coast and Margate reporting up to 140mm.

Residents were warned to be careful or avoid travelling on bridges and roads in low-lying areas as these may be susceptible to flooding and sinkholes. They were also warned to avoid outdoor activities as lightning, hail and flooding may result in injuries and death.

A warning read: “If possible, stay indoors, shelter pets and cover vehicles. Move livestock and cars to safe sheltered areas as there may be flying debris.”

Affected areas included popular holiday destinations in Margate and Uvongo. The warning issued by the South African Weather Services had included damaging winds, excessive lightning and heavy downpours over the eThekwini, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni and Umzumbe areas.