Watch: Mini tornado spotted in Durban amid torrential conditions [video]

Severe weather hit Durban, including a mini tornado, causing significant disruptions and damage.

A mini tornado was spotted in Durban on Monday, 3 June 2024, amid severe weather conditions plaguing the region.

Watch: Durban weather escalates with mini tornado

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The dramatic weather phenomenon was caught on camera by residents and quickly circulated on social media, causing widespread alarm.

This rare event was part of a series of torrential downpours and strong winds that have swept through KwaZulu-Natal, leading to significant damage and disruptions.

In Hillcrest, west of Durban, heavy winds broke down three trees, causing backed-up traffic and further complicating the situation for commuters.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had already issued a weather warning earlier in the day, predicting persistent heavy rainfall and severe weather patterns across the region.

Weather warnings issued for Durban

The SAWS issued a level 4 weather warning for the eThekwini region, effective from 12:00 to 23:00 on Monday, 3 June 2024.

The forecast indicated continuous heavy rainfall, which could result in flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, and destruction of mud-based houses.

The coastal areas of eThekwini were expected to experience particularly high rain intensities.

Motorists were urged to drive with extreme caution, maintaining a safe following distance on the wet roads.

The city authorities advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Durban weather forecast for Tuesday, 4 June 2024

Weather Forecast MapsTemperature, 2 m above ground, 29°51'S 30°21'E, 2024/06/04 2 PM (UTC+02:00), © VentuSky.com

On Tuesday, 4 June 2024, Durban is expected to experience a continuation of the severe weather.

The weather forecast predicts overcast skies with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Temperatures are set to range between a low of 14°C and a high of 22°C.

Wind speeds will be moderate, with gusts reaching up to 35 km/h, adding to the challenging conditions.