When Storms Bring More Than Rain: How Extreme Weather Threatens Business Security in South Africa

02 Mar 2025

South Africa's current battle with extreme weather has unleashed more than just environmental havoc. Torrential rainfall has transformed parts of KwaZulu-Natal into flood zones, while last week, the City of Tshwane's Emergency Services Department issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms across many areas of Gauteng. Today, the region faces a Level 5 alert, as KZN continues to battle severe flooding. North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, and Mpumalanga all have anticipated extreme weather conditions, with severe thunderstorms and veld fire conditions expected today. Amid these weather crises, a hidden security risk is emerging for businesses across the nation, as extreme weather conditions increasingly create opportunities for criminal activity.

Right now, the South African Weather Service has its eyes on southern KwaZulu-Natal, where an orange-level warning signals the threat of severe thunderstorms. This isn't just meteorological jargon, it's a call to vigilance for business owners facing a perfect storm of security vulnerabilities.

When Bad Weather Invites Crime

The connection between extreme weather and security breaches isn't immediately obvious, until you look closer: When storms rage, desperate people seek shelter wherever they can find it, sometimes leading to business properties becoming unauthorised havens. As darkness falls earlier and rain reduces visibility, opportunistic criminals find their ideal cover for break-ins. Meanwhile, flood damage silently compromises physical barriers, creating entry points where none existed before. And beneath it all, the economic strain from weather disasters pushes communities to the breaking point, where desperation can turn to crime.

In fact, studies show that property crimes increase by 20-30% in areas affected by extreme weather, particularly during heavy rainfall or flooding. According to a report from Fanews, there was a 15% rise in business break-ins during severe weather events, with commercial crime surging by 10.1%, business burglary by 12.2%, and shoplifting by 20.3%. This highlights the vulnerability of businesses during severe weather conditions.

Weatherproofing Your Security Strategy

Smart business owners aren't just protecting against water damage, they're building comprehensive security shields, strong locks, reliable alarms, and weather-resistant surveillance systems form your first line of defense, but they need regular checks after each storm. Strategic lighting that activates with movement eliminates the dark corners where trouble hides. A clear weather emergency plan keeps everyone on the same page when chaos strikes. For businesses in flood-prone areas, investing in proper barriers and drainage systems protects more than just inventory, it preserves your security infrastructure. And don't forget those often-overlooked external spaces that become prime targets during severe weather.

"We're witnessing a new normal where extreme weather isn't the exception, it's becoming the rule," warns Adriaan Otto, Managing Director of Excellerate Services. "The businesses that survive and thrive will be those that connect the dots between climate events and security planning. When your team knows exactly how to respond to both a flash flood and a potential break-in, you've built true resilience."

The weather-security connection demands a new kind of business preparedness. By recognising how storms create security gaps and taking proactive steps to close them, companies can protect themselves against both the obvious and hidden dangers that extreme weather brings to their doorstep.

Sources: TopicWorx, FA News