Here’s why South Africans should take severe weather warnings seriously
As climate change tightens its grip, South Africa is seeing a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events—from unexpected snowfall and heavy downpours to hailstorms and flooding.
Yet, despite clear and timely warnings from weather authorities, many South Africans continue to take these alerts lightly, often to their own detriment.
Momentum Insure has launched its new Heads Up Weather Series, with the goal of reshaping how South Africans respond to severe weather warnings.
In the first episode of the series, Chief Actuary at Momentum Insure, Rudolf Britz, sat down with 702's Relebogime Mabotja to discuss why ignoring warnings is so risky, what’s really at stake, and how consumers can better prepare themselves.
According to Britz, a combination of human nature, inexperience, and a false sense of security contributes to the public’s reluctance to heed weather warnings.
"It’s easy to believe 'it won’t happen to me'—and statistically, most of the time, that’s true, but when it does go wrong, it can go very wrong."
- Rudolf Britz, Chief Actuary at Momentum Insure
He recalls instances where warnings were ignored, such as the recent snowfall that left many stranded despite prior alerts. For some, the unusual weather was seen as an adventure. However, such attitudes, while understandable in a climate where extreme weather is historically rare, are becoming increasingly dangerous.
Severe weather doesn't always arrive as dramatic disasters. Sometimes, it’s localized heavy rainfall—100mm or more over a weekend—that causes major damage.
"We see these events more frequently than people realise,"
- Rudolf Britz, Chief Actuary at Momentum Insure
“Flooding, pothole damage, and vehicle accidents spike dramatically during these times, especially in areas where infrastructure is already compromised.”
- Rudolf Britz, Chief Actuary at Momentum Insure
He emphasised that ignoring these warnings doesn’t just put lives at risk—there’s also a significant financial impact. Brits estimates that weather-related incidents now account for up to 15–20% of insurance premiums.
Being prepared doesn’t mean panic—it means being rational and proactive. Brits suggested some simple yet effective measures:
- Maintain your property: Clean gutters, reinforce roofs, and ensure that drainage systems are functioning.
- Stay informed: Monitor official weather warnings, especially those above a “yellow” alert.
- Avoid risky travel: If there’s no urgent need to venture out during severe weather, remain at home.
- Equip your car: Ensure your tyres, brakes, and wipers are roadworthy—especially in areas prone to rain.
If evacuation orders are given, don’t hesitate. “Disaster authorities know what they’re doing,” Britz notes. “If they tell you to leave, it’s because staying behind is unsafe—and in those cases, ignoring instructions may even void insurance coverage.”
When asked what he would personally take during an evacuation, he recommends:
- Food and warm clothing
- Backup power (battery banks)
- Critical documents and irreplaceable memories
- And yes, of course—the kids and pets, too.
With severe weather becoming more frequent and unpredictable, South Africans must shift from a reactive to a proactive approach.
The Heads Up Weather Series aims to educate, prepare, and protect—because behind every alert is a potential crisis, and behind every crisis, real lives are at risk.
“Take a moment now—while things are calm—to prepare. Because once the storm hits, it’s already too late.”
- Rudolf Britz, Chief Actuary at Momentum Insure