The Metropolitan of Cape Town is poised for vigilance as the South African Weather Service has signalled an alert for substantial rainfall, blustery conditions, and a drop in temperature.
According to the South African Weather Service, an onslaught of adverse weather is anticipated to strike the city in the ensuing days.
Officials from the City of Cape Town have announced that disaster management teams are gearing up in response to the forecast of strong gales and significant rainfall, attributed to a potent low pressure system anticipated this weekend.
“The Western Cape can expect strong winds and torrential downpours from Saturday evening through to Tuesday,”
stated Anton Bredell, the Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning.
Furthermore, the SA Weather Service has issued a caution regarding an uncommon meteorological event poised to affect coastal regions along South Africa’s southwest to southeast shoreline starting Sunday.
The advisory highlighted that a blend of potent to near-gale/gale force winds alongside other atmospheric conditions could culminate in a negative storm surge. This phenomenon harbors potential threats to maritime endeavors and coastal structures.
“This will lead to low water levels, resulting in negative storm surge along the south-west to south-east coastline of South Africa in places between Saldanha and Gqeberha,”
noted the weather service in a Saturday announcement.
Western Cape Weather Alerts
A Level 4 alert for potent winds across the province from Saturday to Tuesday.
A Level 6 alert for intense winds for the region extending from Table Bay to Cape Agulhas starting Saturday.
A Level 4 alert for disruptive rainfall forecasted from Sunday to Tuesday, affecting the West Coast, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, and Central Karoo.
A Level 6 alert for obstructive rainfall ranging between 100mm and 150mm on Monday, targeting the Overberg, Cape Town, and the Cape Winelands.
The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) along with various district disaster centers stand prepared to mobilize as required, ensuring that emergency and rescue services are on alert to address any incidents that may arise.
Sunset cruise in Cape Town as wind picks up…includes a free shower. #CapeTown #Wind #weather pic.twitter.com/8GuxDN7gjs
— Deon Bing (@deon_bing) April 6, 2024
Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for the Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC), has issued a warning regarding an impending weather system that could bring a range of severe conditions to the area. According to Powell, residents and visitors should prepare for the possibility of a black south-easterly wind, alongside the potential for rainfall that could disrupt daily activities. Additionally, the forecast warns of damaging waves and an overall atmosphere that is expected to be very cold, wet, and windy.
In preparation for the anticipated weather challenges, Powell stated,
“The DRMC has alerted all relevant City services to be on standby, in the event of any potential weather-related impacts,”
highlighting the city’s proactive measures to mitigate the effects of the incoming system. The DRMC’s coordination with city services underscores a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community in the face of natural weather phenomena.
