Voters in parts of KwaZulu-Natal are being advised to visit their polling stations early on Election Day as severe thunderstorms are expected to affect the province. The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has warned residents in the northern parts of the province to prepare for inclement weather. Conditions are forecast to continue from Tuesday into Wednesday, with heavy rain and severe thunderstorms expected.
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in northern KwaZulu-Natal, effective until midnight on Wednesday. The warning covers several municipalities, including Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, and Big Five Hlabisa. Residents are being urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling to voting stations, particularly when crossing rivers or using roads that could be affected by flooding.
The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs is encouraging voters to cast their ballots early to avoid possible disruptions caused by heavy rainfall. Disaster management teams have been coordinated with municipalities, emergency services, and other relevant stakeholders, and placed on high alert to assist the public on Election Day. This is to ensure that all voting stations remain accessible, particularly in areas identified as being at high risk of heavy rainfall.
Municipalities likely to experience the adverse weather include eDumbe, eMadlangeni, and eNdumeni. Residents are being urged to prioritise their safety when making their way to voting stations and to follow safety guidelines issued by law enforcement agencies and emergency services. Voters are encouraged to plan their journeys, remain alert to changing weather conditions, and avoid crossing flooded roads or rivers.
The department has also urged residents to be cautious when travelling to voting stations, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Several municipalities, including Inkosi Langalibalele, Jozini, and Msinga, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms. The department is working to ensure that all voting stations remain accessible and that voters can cast their ballots safely.
In addition to the Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, the South African Weather Service has also forecast heavy rain, hail, and lightning in the province. Residents are being advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The department is working closely with municipalities and emergency services to respond to any incidents that may occur on Election Day.
The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs is working to ensure that all voting stations remain accessible and that voters can cast their ballots safely. Voters are encouraged to visit their polling stations early and to plan their journeys in advance. By taking necessary precautions and following safety guidelines, voters can help ensure a safe and successful Election Day in KwaZulu-Natal.
Key points
- Voters in KwaZulu-Natal are urged to visit polling stations early due to severe thunderstorms expected on Election Day.
- A Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for northern KwaZulu-Natal, effective until midnight on Wednesday.
- Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert to assist the public on Election Day.
