GQEBERHA – The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality issued an urgent weather warning, alerting residents to severe storms expected to strike the metropolitan area over the weekend through to Tuesday next week.
According to a statement, the South African Weather Service has issued a severe weather advisory valid from midnight on Sunday, 8 February, until 23:59 on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
The municipality said a cut-off low pressure system, accompanied by a surface trough and high-pressure ridge, is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms across the Eastern Cape, including Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Rainfall accumulations of 50–120mm are possible in some areas, particularly south of the escarpment,” the municipality stated in its advisory.
The weather system poses a significant flooding threat, especially to low-lying areas, informal settlements, and locations with poor drainage infrastructure. Authorities warned that soil saturation from previous rainfall has heightened the likelihood of flooding and infrastructure damage.
The municipality highlighted several serious risks residents may face during the three-day period, including flooding of roads, bridges and residential areas, temporary isolation of communities, danger to life, and damage to homes, vehicles and municipal infrastructure.
Power cuts and communication service disruptions are also possible, whilst storms may be accompanied by hail, strong winds, and heavy downpours that could intensify existing hazards.
Municipal authorities are strongly urging residents to take immediate precautionary measures ahead of the storm system’s arrival.
“Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or fast-flowing streams,” the municipality warned. “Avoid unnecessary travel during storm activity and monitor official weather updates via radio and verified social media platforms.”
Residents are advised to move valuable items and essential documents to elevated areas and identify safe shelter locations in case of sudden flooding.
Municipal emergency and disaster response teams have been put on standby and will continue monitoring conditions closely throughout the severe weather period.
The municipality emphasised that resident safety remains their top priority and called for community cooperation to reduce risk and protect lives.
“Community cooperation is essential to reduce risk and protect lives,” authorities stated in the advisory.
Residents experiencing emergencies during the storm period are encouraged to report incidents through official municipal channels and contact their respective ward councillors.
The municipality said it would provide additional information and updates based on further guidance from the South African Weather Service.
