#DurbanStorm leaves death and destruction in its wake - AS IT HAPPENED

Thunderstorm season is starting in SA

South Africa is in its thunderstorm period now, which is an annual occurrence, according to weather forecaster Dipuo Tawana.

"We had heavy rainfall that occurred in Kempton Park last year, about 81mm in that vicinity... It is nothing out of the ordinary," she told HuffPost SA.

"From September 1, meteorologically our thunderstorm season is starting, so we are going to have storms," she added.

She explained, however, that not all thunderstorms would be severe and urged the public to stay informed about weather conditions.

NSRI Durban, NSRI Shelly Beach and NSRI Port Edward and emergency services are fully deployed assisting at floods in and around the Kwa-Zulu Natal North and South coasts, says Craig Lambinon from the NSRI.

NSRI Durban dispatched their sea rescue vehicle and rescue swimmers fully kitted in wet suits. NSRI Port Edward dispatched their sea rescue vehicle and Discovery Rescue Runner to the Umtamvuna River. NSRI Shelly Beach are on high alert to assist police search and rescue efforts. 

Cars swept away by heavy rains in Durban

Heavy rains and strong winds are causing mayhem on the roads as Durban motorists battle against a massive storm. 

The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to stay indoors.

Toyota SA: Prospecton plant damaged by #DurbanStorm

The massive storm sweeping through KwaZulu-Natal has caused damaged to Toyota's motor manufacturing plant in Prospecton, South of Durban. 

A statement sent by Clynton Yon, senior manager of corporate communications for Toyota SA, said "unprecedented flooding has impacted" the plant where the automaker manufactures the Corolla, Corolla Quest, Hilux, Fortuner and Quantum as well as assembles selected Hino product.  

Today the Emergency Services have been kept very busy with a severe storm in the Durban area. In one of the numerous callouts this morning, Netcare 911 and the Fire Department responded to reports that a large shipping container had blown onto the roof of a car outside the Durban harbour.  

Reports from the scene allege that during the storm a forty foot container which was stacked on top of other containers was blown over and landed on the car. The incident and preceding events will form part of a police investigation.  

Paramedics attended to the two occupants of the car. The first man, who was approximately thirty years old, had sustained relatively minor injuries but was trapped inside the car when the roof collapsed under the weight of the container. He was in a stable condition and was transported by ambulance to hospital for further assessment and care. Tragically the second occupant, believed to be in his forties, had sustained severe injuries and died at the scene.  

To access the victims, the container first had to be removed from the vehicle and then fire fighters and rescue personnel used the "Jaws of Life" to free them from the wreck.  

The SAPS were also at the scene.  

Several other large and heavy stacked containers in different areas were also blown over by the strong winds. Many roads are under water and motorists are urged to take extra care and not to used flooded roads as their vehicles may breakdown in the water leaving them stranded.