Severe weather triggers major power outages across KZN
Heavy rains and strong winds have caused extended power outages in multiple parts of KZN.
Eskom has confirmed that severe weather has caused widespread power outages across KwaZulu-Natal, disrupting the electricity supply in multiple regions.
Despite road closures due to flooding and snow, the power utility has deployed technical teams to repair faults in areas they can access.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Department of Transport also confirmed that some roads have been closed due to snow and urged motorists to find alternative routes or delay their trips.
WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES REPORTED IN KZN
Eskom said technicians remain on standby and will attend to the affected areas as soon as they become accessible.
“We understand the inconvenience and frustration the situation causes and appeal to our customers for patience and understanding as we work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible,” Eskom said.
Authorities have urged residents to treat all electrical appliances as live and to avoid fallen cables, damaged poles, or exposed wiring. They also instructed the public to report any such hazards immediately to local authorities or through Eskom’s reporting channels.
The affected areas include:
- Empangeni
- Melmoth
- Inkosi Mtubatuba
- Ulundi
- Hluhluwe
- Jozini
- Nongoma
- Eshowe
- Bergville
- Ladysmith
- Ingagane
- Paulpietersburg
- Ixopo
- Kokstad
- Cedarville
- Franklin
- Umzimkhulu
- Bulwer
- Lamington
- Harding
- Ingeli
- Paddock
- Edendale
- Riverdale
WARNING ISSUED FOR DAMAGING WINDS
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 warning for damaging winds in southern KwaZulu-Natal, warning that strong gusts could cause injuries, threaten lives with flying debris, damage both formal and informal settlements, and disrupt agricultural production. The winds are also expected to damage structures and affect transport routes and travel services due to falling trees.
In addition, SAWS has issued a yellow level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall in the extreme south of KZN, cautioning that the rain may cause localised flooding in settlements, low-lying areas, and bridges, as well as minor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads.