Level 4 storm warning Thursday: hail and flooding risk for Durban and KZN
SAWS has a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms over most of KwaZulu-Natal, including eThekwini, on Thursday 5 November, plus a level 4 warning for parts of Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The areas and what to do.
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms over most of KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, 5 November 2026, from 08:00 to 23:59. Heavy downpours, hail and severe lightning could cause flooding and damage to infrastructure, and the warning includes eThekwini (Durban) (Newcastillian, citing SAWS).
A separate level 4 warning covering parts of Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga runs from Wednesday afternoon until 23:59 on Thursday (Sandton Chronicle).
Which KZN areas are under the level 4 warning?
SAWS says storms are expected to turn severe across much of the province, except the north-east. The municipalities named in the warning are:
| Region | Municipalities |
|---|---|
| North-west and northern KZN | Newcastle, Dannhauser, Abaqulusi (Vryheid), eMadlangeni (Utrecht), Endumeni (Dundee), eDumbe, Nquthu, Nongoma |
| Midlands and central KZN | Alfred Duma (Ladysmith), Inkosi Langalibalele (Estcourt), Mpofana (Mooi River), Okhahlamba, Msinga, Nkandla, Mthonjaneni, Impendle, Mkhambathini, Maphumulo |
| South and Drakensberg | Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (Underberg), Ingwe, Greater Kokstad, Ray Nkonyeni |
| Coast | eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Ndwedwe |
Source: Newcastillian, citing the SAWS warning issued at 08:41 on 4 November
A warning for an area doesn't mean every town in it will get a storm. It means the chance of damaging storms there is high enough to prepare.
What about Johannesburg and Gauteng?
The level 4 warning for Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga is valid from 14:00 on Wednesday until 23:59 on Thursday. Northern Johannesburg suburbs, including Sandton, Randburg, Fourways and Midrand, could see localised flooding, damaging winds and hail (Sandton Chronicle).
What damage could the storms cause?
SAWS lists flooding of settlements, roads and low-lying bridges, damage to homes and infrastructure, and fallen trees blocking roads. Fast-flowing streams are a danger to life (Newcastillian, citing SAWS).
What should you do?
- Don't cross rivers or streams if the water is above your ankles.
- If your car is trapped by floodwater, leave it and get to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Move valuables above the likely flood level, and in rural areas move livestock to higher ground.
- Park under cover if hail is forecast and stay indoors during lightning.
These steps come from the SAWS advice carried by Newcastillian. Warnings can be upgraded, extended or lifted, so check the official SAWS warnings page before you travel on Thursday.
Wednesday's election day outlook is in our election day weather forecast.
FAQ
Is there a weather warning for Durban on 5 November 2026?
Yes. eThekwini is included in the SAWS yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal, valid from 08:00 to 23:59 on Thursday, 5 November.
Is there a storm warning for Johannesburg on Thursday?
A SAWS yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms covers parts of Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga until 23:59 on Thursday, 5 November.
Where can I check the latest SAWS warnings?
On the official SA Weather Service warnings page at weathersa.co.za/warnings.