Parts of eThekwini were hit by a severe hailstorm on Tuesday afternoon, with heavy rain and strong winds causing localised flooding and travel disruption across the metro and prompting emergency services to heighten their response across KwaZulu‑Natal.
What happened
The hail and downpours were linked, provincial officials said, to a cut‑off low‑pressure system affecting the region. The eThekwini Municipality reported that heavy rain left sections of the N3 eastbound under water before the Tollgate Bridge, forcing the closure of three eastbound lanes because of high water levels.
Municipal emergency crews and Metro Police were on site managing traffic flow, and motorists heading inbound towards the Durban central business district were urged to use alternative routes, exercise patience and expect delays.
“Emergency services and Metro Police are on site managing traffic flow,” the municipality said, adding that members of the public are strictly advised not to cross swollen rivers, streams, or overflowing stormwater channels, on foot or in vehicles.
Official response and monitoring
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed several areas of the metro had been affected and said teams from the Department of Human Settlements were coordinating with municipalities and other government departments to monitor high‑risk communities.
The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Operation Shanela were reported to be monitoring major routes, with roving teams deployed across the province to respond to incidents and keep traffic moving where possible.
Advice to residents and road users
The municipality urged residents to stay away from flood‑prone locations and to follow official updates as the situation evolved. Key safety advice from local authorities included:
- Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers, streams or stormwater channels on foot or in vehicles.
- Allow extra travel time and follow directions from emergency personnel and Metro Police.
- Use alternative routes if travelling inbound to the Durban CBD and avoid the affected stretch of the N3 where possible.
- Stay tuned to official municipal channels for further updates and warnings.
Areas of concern and services on alert
Municipal emergency response teams were placed on high alert and actively monitoring low‑lying areas, informal settlements, and major road networks that are prone to weather‑related incidents.
| Location | Reported impact | Action |
|---|---|---|
| N3 eastbound (before Tollgate Bridge) | Localised flooding; three lanes closed | Emergency services and Metro Police managing traffic |
| Low‑lying areas and informal settlements | Monitored for flood risk and wind damage | Department of Human Settlements coordinating with municipalities |
Ongoing risk
Officials warned that severe thunderstorm activity remained active across parts of KwaZulu‑Natal, including eThekwini, and that further heavy downpours, frequent lightning, damaging winds and localised flooding were possible for the remainder of the day. Residents are advised to keep abreast of weather updates from the South African Weather Service and to follow municipal advisories.
Commuters planning to use the N3 should expect delays and consider alternative routes into Durban. Those living in flood‑prone neighbourhoods and informal settlements should secure loose objects, stay indoors where possible during severe gusts, and be ready to move to higher ground if water levels rise.
Municipal channels will continue to issue official updates as conditions change and teams respond to incidents across the metro.
Reporting from Durban.
