Storm season in South Africa: practical ways to stay storm-ready

South Africa’s summer storms are known for their power and unpredictability. Heavy rain, lightning, strong winds and hail often arrive with little warning, catching many property owners off guard. While extreme weather cannot be controlled, the impact it has on your home, business or agricultural operations can be significantly reduced through thoughtful preparation and regular maintenance.

Start with what you can control

Storms arrive differently across the country, but the fundamentals of preparation remain the same: keep your property in good condition, understand your risk exposure and make sure your insurance aligns with your needs. These three elements form the foundation of storm resilience.

Keep maintenance up to date

Routine maintenance is often the best defence against unexpected damage. A roof in sound condition, clear drainage, stable structures, working electrics and well-kept outdoor spaces all contribute to limiting the impact of severe weather. Keeping dated photos or invoices from tradespeople, for example for roof or plumbing, is also good practice, as it demonstrates responsible upkeep when a claim is assessed.

Review your cover before you need it

Insurance should reflect the current value of your buildings and the realities of your daily operations. Replacement costs change over time, especially with the rising cost of materials and the addition of features such as solar installations or recent renovations.

For businesses and farmers, business interruption or loss-of-income cover should take into account the downtime that weather-related damage can cause. Understanding your policy excess and any exclusions ensures that there are no surprises later.

Understand your region’s weather behaviour

Not all storms are the same.

Inland provinces often experience sudden, high-intensity thunderstorms accompanied by hail and lightning.
Coastal regions may face strong winds, localised flooding and persistent rain.
Agricultural belts may experience microclimates that produce fast-moving storms or severe lightning bursts.

Knowing the patterns in your region helps you focus on the protections most relevant to your property.

Make outdoor areas storm-resilient

When wind picks up, everyday items can become hazards. Garden chairs, loose signage, shade cloths, tools and unsecured materials can break windows, damage vehicles or clog drainage systems. Regularly trimming branches and securing outdoor items is one of the simplest ways to prevent storm-related incidents.

Lightning and electrical protection

South Africa’s high lightning activity makes surge protection an essential part of storm preparedness. A lightning conductor can protect taller structures, while surge protectors, whether plug-in options or whole-property systems, help shield electronics, appliances, inverters and security systems from power fluctuations. These measures reduce the risk of costly electrical failures during turbulent weather.

Agricultural planning

Farms face a unique set of risks, particularly during storm season.

Machinery and equipment:

Move valuable machinery into sheltered areas.
Crops:

Ensure that drainage and irrigation systems are functioning properly to prevent waterlogging or erosion.
Livestock:

Provide livestock with accessible shelter and check that fencing is secure.
Power supply:

Install surge protection for pumps, boreholes and irrigation systems, which are highly vulnerable to electrical fluctuations.

Prioritise roofs and drainage

Although maintenance applies across the property, the roof and drainage systems deserve particular attention. Damaged tiles, loose sheeting or worn waterproofing can quickly turn a storm into a costly repair.

Blocked gutters prevent water from flowing away and can cause internal ceiling damage. Regular cleaning and inspections, especially after long dry periods, help avoid these issues.

Prepare an emergency plan

Storm readiness also includes planning for immediate action.

Save important contact numbers for your insurer and trusted contractors. We have compiled a list that you can view here: https://www.dewetdevilliersbrokers.co.za/ice.html
Store essential documents in waterproof containers.
Ensure that family members or staff know how to switch off electricity safely in the event of flooding.
For businesses and farms, confirm that everyone understands evacuation routes and safety procedures.

Storm season forms part of South Africa’s annual weather cycle, and preparation is far more effective when viewed as an ongoing habit rather than a once-off task. With the right planning, you can minimise disruptions, protect your assets and strengthen your resilience against nature’s unpredictability.