Thunderstorms, damaging winds and rain in SIX provinces TODAY

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, possible damaging winds and heavy rain in four provinces.

The warning is for Friday, 9 February and will affect parts of Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAIN IN PARTS OF SA

The weather service said severe thunderstorms with possible damaging winds, large amounts of hail and heavy downpours will affect the following parts of the country:

• Central and eastern parts of North West
• Eastern parts of Free State
• Gauteng
• South-western parts of Limpopo
• Mpumalanga Highveld and escarpment areas
• Western and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal

The severe thunderstorms may lead to localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, structural damage and falling trees blocking major roads.

Severe thunderstorms and hail expected in parts of SA on Friday. Images: Stock/Canva.

KWAZULU-NATAL LEARNER STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

One learner from Mandlamasha Primary School, in Dannhauser under Amajuba District in KwaZulu-Natal, died after she was struck by lightning following severe thunderstorms.

The weather service had issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms earlier this week.

According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the lightning struck the learners on their way home. Unfortunately, one learner died on the post while the other two were rushed to hospital, where they are recovering.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has expressed condolences to the family of the departed learner and wishes a speedy recovery to the hospitalised learners.

Sithole-Moloi said she was deeply sad that such a young person died tragically

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