A violent storm caused extensive damage across the Highway area and greater Durban on Sunday night, just as thousands of delegates arrived in the city for the start of COP17.
Heavy rain (200mm in 24hrs!) and winds brought down trees and damaged buildings, particularly in the Westville area. Landslides have been reported on Fields Hill, as well as the M4 and M7. Large rocks and other debris have been seen on the M19, causing obstacles in some areas.
Have you been affected? Send your stories and photos to hayley@famouspublishing.co.za.
Standing water and thick mud also make driving conditions difficult, as well as the multitude of potholes that have been created by ongoing rainfall. Manhole covers are said to have been washed away on the N2.
Valley Road in Forest Hills is flooded, making it almost impossible to pass at the low point.
Further afield, in Riverhorse Valley, a wetland that is fed by the Umgeni River has been flooded, leaving red bishops and other birds stranded.
The South African Weather Service has issue a warning for further heavy rain and severe thunderstorms, so be prepared. This pertains particularly to the south coast and the escarpment.
This week’s weather forecast for the Highway area:
Monday, 28/11/2011 – min 19, max 24, cloudy with a high chance of thunder showers
Tuesday, 29/11/2011 – min 19, max 25, cloudy, 54% chance of rain
Wednesday, 30/11/2011 – min 21, max 29, sunny
Read more about COP17 here…
See our readers’ photos below