Residents of the Western Cape have been cautioned about a significant cold front and severe weather conditions anticipated from Sunday through to at least the following Friday.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple warnings regarding heavy rain, strong winds, and snowfall expected in the Cape.
Anton Bredell, the Western Cape’s Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, alerted residents to prepare for a series of cold fronts bringing adverse weather from the upcoming weekend into the next week.
On Friday, the South African Weather Service provided an update to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) about the incoming weather systems.
“With the end of the school holidays, many people may be travelling home. We ask residents to please be extremely cautious on the roads,” Bredell advised.
“Due to the combination of high winds, heavy rain, and snow falls over high mountains expected, we urge residents to please reconsider travel and outdoor activities next week and avoid unnecessary travel.”
Bredell highlighted the increased risks posed by strong winds and rain-saturated soil, which could lead to trees and tall structures toppling. He also mentioned the potential impact on various government services due to the inclement weather.
“Residents are asked to please stay informed by monitoring the latest weather reports through trusted local news platforms,” he added.
Weather Warnings Issued
- Level 4 Weather Warning: Heavy rain and possible flooding are expected in the western sections of the Western Cape on Sunday.
- Level 6 Warning for High Winds: Winds ranging from 80-90 km/h are predicted for the province’s western and south-west regions on Sunday.
- Level 4 Warning for Moderate Winds: Winds of 50-70 km/h are expected in the Namakwa district, as well as the central and eastern parts of the Western Cape.
- Level 6 Warning for Waves: Waves between six to eight metres are anticipated from Alexander Bay to Cape Agulhas, extending to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon.
- Level 4 Warning for Disruptive Snowfall: Snowfall is expected in the Western Cape highlands and Namakwa District’s southern high hills on Sunday.
Cape Town’s Weather Warning Upgraded to Level 8 for Sunday
Residents are urged to exercise caution and stay updated on weather developments to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has escalated the Level 6 weather warning for damaging winds in Cape Town on Sunday to a more severe Level 8. This announcement was made on Saturday by Charlotte Powell, the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson.
Powell detailed the forecast, stating,
“The forecast is for gale to strong gale force westerly and north-westerly winds, reaching speeds of between 70 and 90 km/h, with gusts exceeding 100 km/h at times. This could result in widespread structural damage like roofs being blown off, uprooted trees and downed power lines.”
She advised residents to secure any loose items on their properties to prevent damage or injuries.
“Please check for any loose items on your property that would need to be secured to prevent damage or potential injuries. This includes roofing sheets and/or loose roofing tiles, falling trees or branches and outside furniture,”
Powell said.
In response to the impending severe weather, all City of Cape Town departments have been placed on standby. Powell mentioned that the Disaster Coordinating Team will be activated to oversee the City’s response to the emergency. Volunteers will be mobilized to assist affected communities, and additional staff will be deployed to the City’s corporate call centers to handle service requests.
Furthermore, Powell noted,
“In addition, catchment management will monitor the levels of rivers and dams closely. Recreation and Parks will have additional crews on standby to address any uprooted trees.
She also indicated that the Electricity Department has crews ready to deal with any power line disruptions. The Roads Department will conduct assessments in communities and provide necessary resources like sandbags and milling to mitigate risks, in collaboration with community leaders and religious organizations for shelter options.
In case of an emergency, the public is urged to contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.
The City of Cape Town is taking comprehensive measures to prepare for the severe weather, ensuring that all necessary resources and personnel are available to manage the anticipated impact and assist the residents of Cape Town effectively.
