If you’re driving in and around KwaZulu-Natal, be sure to do so with extreme caution as yesterday’s massive storm has left debris and damage in certain areas.
The severe weather – which included heavy rain, flash flooding, hail, strong winds, and falling trees – followed a Level 4 and 5 alert late yesterday afternoon in the Midlands and parts of northern KZN.
Flooding and falling trees have affected Hilton, Pietermaritzburg, Howick, Dundee, Utrecht, and surrounding routes.
The intense hailstorm impacted traffic along the N3, with several secondary roads coming to a standstill. Authorities confirmed that debris, broken branches, stormwater washaways, and large pools of water could pose hazards, impacting traffic for the next couple of days – so be sure to drive carefully!
Emergency and disaster management teams across the province are mobilised and responding to any storm-related incidents as they arise.
Arrive Alive Campaign Launches
The storm comes just as the government intensified its festive safety operations with the launch of the 365-day Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign: ‘It Starts With Me’.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says KZN remains one of the highest-risk provinces for road fatalities, with the N2 and other major routes receiving increased law enforcement visibility over the December period.
She said that, although 700 fewer people have died on the roads this year, more than 9 400 fatalities have already been recorded.
Critical risk factors include weekends, late-night driving, fatigue, speeding, drunk driving, and unroadworthy vehicles.
The festive safety plan includes 24-hour patrols, more roadblocks, and strict checks on licences, seatbelts, child restraints, and speeding.
Arrive Alive — And Arrive Home Safely
With the holidays almost upon us – and with severe weather a reality for KZN in summer – be sure to follow road safety procedures. These include:
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Avoid driving through floodwater
- Check tyres, brakes, lights, and wipers before travelling
- Plan rest stops to avoid fatigue
This festive season, your priority is simple: get to your loved ones safely… and return home safely too. Drive carefully, stay alert, and help keep our roads safe!
Ready to get Festive? Durban Botanic Gardens' Trail of Lights returns brighter than ever.
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