SA Weather Service Issues Level 2 Storm Warning for Komani

Level 2 Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Komani and Surrounding Areas

Residents of Komani (Queenstown) and surrounding areas have been urged to remain alert after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 2 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms, expected to affect large parts of the Eastern Cape on Saturday, 20 December 2025.

According to the official warning, severe thunderstorms are forecast from 10:00 on Saturday morning until 23:59 on Saturday night, with the potential to cause localised damage, flooding and short-term disruptions in several districts, including Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, where Komani is situated.

Komani Among Areas at Risk

SAWS confirmed that the warning applies to multiple districts and local municipalities, including:

• Enoch Mgijima LM (Komani, Molteno, Tarkastad)

• Chris Hani District

• Joe Gqabi District

• Alfred Nzo District

• Walter Sisulu LM (including Burgersdorp and Jamestown)

• Intsika Yethu, Inxuba Yethemba and neighbouring areas

For Komani residents, this means a real risk of disruptive weather conditions, particularly during the afternoon and evening when thunderstorms are most likely to intensify.

What to Expect

The weather service warned that the storms could become severe in some places, bringing:

• Heavy downpours

• Strong, damaging winds

• Hail

• Excessive lightning

These conditions may lead to localised flooding or pooling of water, especially on low-lying and poorly drained roads in and around Komani, as well as difficult driving conditions, particularly on dirt roads.

Possible Impacts on the Community

SAWS highlighted several potential impacts that residents should be prepared for:

• Localised damage to homes, property and vehicles

• Short-term power and communication disruptions

• Reduced visibility and slippery roads

• Increased risk of minor motor vehicle accidents

• Temporary flooding of susceptible streets and rural access roads

Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and avoid flooded roads.

Safety Advice for Komani Residents

The South African Weather Service has issued the following safety instructions:

• Avoid travelling if possible during severe storms

• Stay indoors and away from metal objects

• Secure loose outdoor items before storms begin

• Do not shelter under trees or tall structures

• Avoid activities such as fishing or golfing during thunderstorms due to lightning risk

Residents living in flood-prone areas are urged to monitor conditions closely and take preventative measures where possible.

Stay Informed

Komani News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to follow official SAWS updates and local emergency communications throughout the weekend.

For urgent weather-related emergencies, community members should contact local disaster management or emergency services.