Disaster management teams have been put on high alert in KwaZulu-Natal.

This follows a warning of severe thunderstorms expected in the north, west and interior of the province issued by the weather service on Monday.

KZN's MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Nomusa Dube-Ncube, urged residents in the Zululand, uThukela, aMajuba, uMzinyathi and uMkhanyakude districts to be ready for thunderstorms and heavy rains on Monday afternoon.

"We are urging residents to be cautious as lightning poses a deadly risk in our communities, especially in our rural areas. Our disaster management teams will be keeping a keen eye on areas that are most prone to such incidents. We appeal to all residents to stay alert," said Dube-Ncube.

In recent times, parts of KZN have been ravaged by heavy rains and thunderstorms.

"To mitigate these risks, the department continues to roll out lightning rods to communities in areas that are most prone to lightning strikes," the department said.