Level 5 storm warning for Saturday: KZN, Mpumalanga, Free State
SAWS has an orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday 14 November over parts of KZN, Mpumalanga and the Free State, with flooding and hail possible. Which areas, what time and what SAWS advises.
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday, 14 November, over parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Free State, with flooding and large amounts of hail possible. In KZN it runs from 13:00 until midnight and covers inland areas such as Howick, Ladysmith and Newcastle, BusinessTech reported. Seven provinces have some kind of warning.
Which areas have warnings on Saturday?
| Warning | What's expected | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5, severe thunderstorms | Flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, some road and bridge closures, large amounts of hail | Parts of the Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal |
| Level 2, severe thunderstorms | Localised flooding, large amounts of small hail, damaging winds | Parts of North West, Limpopo, Gauteng, the Free State and Mpumalanga |
| Level 2, disruptive rain | Heavy downpours, localised flooding, longer travel times | Parts of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Level 1, damaging winds | Difficult navigation at sea | Western Cape coast |
Source: SAWS warnings as published by Snow Report. Check the latest map on the SAWS warnings page.
The Level 5 area includes the eastern interior around Ermelo and Newcastle, according to The South African. The KZN Level 2 rain warning covers much of the coast, including Durban and Richards Bay, and Pietermaritzburg, BusinessTech reported.
What does a Level 5 warning mean?
On SAWS's impact-based scale, Level 5 means a medium likelihood of significant impact, while Level 2 means a high likelihood of minor impact, BusinessTech explained.
SAWS warned of danger to life from fast-flowing rivers, possible mudslides and falling rocks, fires from lightning, and disruption to water, electricity and communication networks, according to BusinessTech.
What does SAWS advise?
SAWS advised people in affected areas to stay indoors and off the roads where possible, BusinessTech reported:
- Don't cross swollen rivers or fast-moving water.
- If you are trapped in a flood, leave your vehicle and move to higher ground.
- In rural areas, move animals to safe, higher ground.
- Contact your local disaster management authority if things become uncontrollable.
Will Gauteng get storms on Saturday?
Parts of Gauteng fall under the Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, with localised flooding and small hail possible, according to the SAWS warning map published by Snow Report. Gauteng is not in the Level 5 area.
Warnings can be upgraded or lifted, so check the SAWS warnings page on Saturday morning before you travel.
FAQ
Where is the Level 5 weather warning on 14 November 2026?
Parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Free State, including inland KZN areas such as Howick, Ladysmith and Newcastle, according to SAWS warnings.
What time does the KZN Level 5 warning start?
BusinessTech reported it runs from 13:00 on Saturday 14 November until midnight.
Is Durban under a Level 5 warning?
No. Durban, Richards Bay and Pietermaritzburg fall under a Level 2 warning for disruptive rain, BusinessTech reported.
What should I do in a flood?
SAWS advises not crossing swollen rivers or fast-moving water, and if trapped, leaving your vehicle and moving to higher ground.