Cape Town — The South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued multiple warnings for the upcoming weekend for inclement weather across the Western Cape.
SAWS said there’s a level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall, while a level 6 warning was issued for damaging coastal and inland winds. SABC News reported that the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre’s spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, says potential impacts include flooding, falling debris, and power interruptions.
“We advise the public to please take heed of the warnings, and to help reduce the potential risk to their properties by clearing out drainage systems, raising the floor level of their structures, digging trenches around the house to divert water away, checking that their gutters are clear, that all dead tree branches or any other items that could potentially cause obstructions are cleared.”
Powell said people should be prepared for sudden gusts of wind and to keep an eye out for any loose items on their property that would need to be secured.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRO appealed to boaters, paddlers, surfers, and anglers to be cautious around the coast as the new moon spring tide peaks today. NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said spring tides pose a hazard as rip currents are stronger than usual.
“The concern is that during this, the final weekend of school holidays, the coastline will be experiencing the new moon Spring tide during a time when sea conditions are naturally rougher than normal because of winter storms and cold fronts passing over parts of the coastline and deep sea off the South African coastline,” he said.
🚨 Weather Alert 🚨
The South African Weather Service has issued a series of warnings for strong winds, heavy downpours, and snow as an intense cold front is expected to make landfall over the weekend. 🌧️💨❄️ pic.twitter.com/y2QvAiW1fZ
— Stellenbosch Municipality (@StellMun) July 5, 2024
According to IOL, Western Cape’s Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning. Anton Bredell, said residents should be prepared for a succession of cold fronts, which will continue beyond the weekend into next week. Bredell anticipated roads would be busy due to the school holidays/
“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 said.
“Strong winds, combined with rain saturated soil increases the risks for trees and tall structures being toppled. Various government services may be affected by the inclement weather and residents are asked to please stay informed by monitoring the latest weather reports through trusted local news platforms,” Bredell added.
A Level 4 weather warning for heavy rain and possibly flooding are expected in the western sections of the Western Cape on Sunday, while a level 6 warning was issued for high winds of 80-90km/h in the province’s western and south-west regions on Sunday.
EARLY FORECAST FOR A BIG WINTER STORM
An intense cold front is lining up to hit the west coast of #SouthAfrica around dawn on Sunday. The winter storm will bring cloudy, windy, and freezing conditions, accompanied by heavy rain and thundery showers to the country’s western… pic.twitter.com/0r9lsEDpSg
— Joel Guy Weather (@JoelGuyWeather) July 4, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
