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As September unfolds, South Africans are being urged to prepare for a wave of unusually severe storms expected to affect several provinces. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an official weather alert, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding in areas typically transitioning into spring at this time of year.
Storms Expected to Hit Coastal Regions First
According to the latest forecast data, the storm systems will initially impact coastal areas such as the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Western Cape. From there, the weather is expected to move inland, bringing widespread rain and strong winds. Some regions may receive over 100mm of rain within a 24-hour window – well above the monthly average for September.
Urban areas, particularly major cities with aging drainage infrastructure, may face flash flooding and transport delays. In addition to flooding, there are concerns over power outages, road hazards, and increased pressure on emergency services.
An Unusual Weather Pattern for This Time of Year
Meteorologists have pointed out that the intensity of these storms is not typical for September. While light showers are common during the seasonal shift, this level of activity more closely resembles summer storm systems. Experts attribute the phenomenon to unusual interactions between warmer tropical air and colder systems pushing up from the Antarctic, as well as broader shifts in ocean temperatures across the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans.
Climate researchers have also noted that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in southern Africa, suggesting a pattern linked to global climate change. Where severe September storms may have once occurred every decade or two, similar systems now appear to be developing every few years — and with increasing intensity.
Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure
The South African public is being advised to expect interruptions to daily routines. Roads in low-lying areas are likely to become impassable, while residents in flood-prone zones are being encouraged to prepare for possible evacuation.
In urban centers, the risk of traffic congestion, power failures, and disruptions to water supply systems may be high. Emergency services are on standby across affected provinces, and local municipalities are deploying teams to monitor high-risk zones.
How South Africans Can Prepare
With the official weather alert now in effect, households and businesses are being encouraged to act early. Preparation tips include:
- Inspect roofs, secure loose tiles, and clear gutters to prevent leaks.
- Trim trees and remove loose items from gardens or balconies.
- Assemble an emergency kit with essentials: bottled water, canned food, flashlights, medications, and charged power banks.
- Protect important documents by storing them in waterproof containers.
- Monitor official weather and disaster response updates via radio, TV, or mobile alerts.
Residents in known flood zones should have a clear evacuation plan and know where their local emergency shelters are located.
When Will Conditions Improve?
Weather models indicate that the bulk of the storm activity will occur between the second and third weeks of September. Although brief periods of calmer weather are likely between systems, the overall outlook remains stormy for much of the month. A return to more stable spring conditions is expected toward the end of September or early October.
Looking Back: Lessons from KwaZulu-Natal’s Earlier Storms
KwaZulu-Natal’s experience earlier this year offers a stark reminder of what can happen when storms hit unexpectedly. Coastal towns saw entire neighbourhoods flooded within hours as rivers burst their banks. In some cases, families had to evacuate with no warning.
“We never thought it would get that bad so quickly,” recalled Durban resident Themba Nkosi. “The water came in fast. We lost everything on the ground floor.”
That event left hundreds homeless and underscored the need for readiness. As this latest weather alert is taken seriously by authorities, South Africans are being reminded that their own preparedness is just as important.