Dangerous waves on the cards for KZN?
"Some of the biggest swells on the East Coast in the last 50 years," ECR listener.
Devastating swells have sent shockwaves across South Africa due to a massive storm with gale-force winds causing huge waves along much of SA's coastline.
While many of the beloved coastal communities are desperate to salvage what they can, we watch in despair while shocking videos circulate on social media.
The next question we ask is, what about us?
At this point, it seems that KZN has been spared from the brunt of the storm.
While we await further communication from official authorities, anecdotal evidence from the local legends who frequent our beaches suggests a dramatic increase in swell size, but things are otherwise "mostly cool." There will likely be a decrease from this afternoon.
Read More: Latest News In KZN
Bathing at the beach was closed today due to larger waves than normal. The whole coastline has been alerted. I have been following the ocean conditions closely and from tomorrow onwards it should be mostly cool. Precautions are being taken, especially since holidaymakers are here. In 2011, if I'm not mistaken, waves were bigger than this. However, the waves were pretty big today.
On the other hand, Southbroom residents have shared some unfortunate evidence of an impact from the storm surge on Mariners Restaurant.
“The initial wave crashed into the restaurant, pushing patrons towards the back of the building. When it receded, a few patrons were swept into the ocean. Luckily, they managed to get back to shore safely,” Mi7 National Group’s Emergency Medical Services shared with TimesLive
Southbroom resident shares with ECR: "The damage is significant to the coastal businesses, we are busy sorting everything out at this moment."
This afternoon down the road... footage @trailbossenduro
— Taryn Burns (@taztpot) September 17, 2023
...Marina Beach Kzn south coast ...people got washed out to sea but were rescued 🙏 pic.twitter.com/df3tuBRsPm
A warning has been issued to all East Coasters to keep a close eye on the water levels and stay safe.
Stay tuned for more on this developing story, we will bring you the latest at East Coast Radio.
Here are some of the most harrowing sights from the current storm surge across the coast:
The Brass bell 🔔 pic.twitter.com/zXZY3UgzIN
— Greg Davies (@the_gregdavies) September 16, 2023
Brass Bell restaurant in Kalkbay pic.twitter.com/deGrOB0EhD
— I am (@DILLIGAF_ZA) September 17, 2023
Swollen sea waves inundates coastal area of Gordon's bay and swept away vehicles, South Africa. pic.twitter.com/qy0TN71NeS
— Eliteworld (@eliteworldwaves) September 17, 2023
Cape Town - Gordon's Bay: Freak waves around the Cape coastline pic.twitter.com/TEqZkvOfIn
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 16, 2023
Here's a look at some previous freak waves that we have experienced in KwaZulu-Natal:
#Durban's North Beach has been temporarily closed, due to 8 foot #waves. Video courtesy: Trevor van Zijl pic.twitter.com/xcMngXac2Q
— ECR_Newswatch (@ECR_Newswatch) March 12, 2017
More on East Coast Radio:
Image courtesy of canva