The Western Cape’s disaster management services were on high alert last night as gale force winds and heavy rains lashed the province.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre said on Saturday morning they had received numerous reports of flooded roadways and fallen trees as a result of the heavy downpours and strong winds experienced late yesterday and overnight.
Die storm sterk wind in Ou Paarlweg Bellville, het boomtakke laat afskeur.? Antionette du Preez @SAWeatherServic @sawx_sa_weather @eNCAWeather @venter_annette @debeer_anika @Die_Burger @Netwerk24 @AfricaWeather_ @TygerBurger @zarsg @maroelamedia pic.twitter.com/KwrM0QaZTf
— ReenvalSA (@ReenvalSA) June 21, 2019
“Power disruptions in Milnerton, Plumstead and Sybrand Park have been reported. Roofs were blown off in Belhar, Strand, Khayelitsha, Woodstock and Claremont. No rockfalls or mudslides have been reported. The City’s Electricity Department is busy restoring the power and other City Departments are busy with mopping up operations,” they said.
Die Noordweste #wind was woelig laasnag. Die sipres was 35 jaar oud by my huis #Somerset_Wes. ? Neels Venter @SAWeatherServic @sawx_sa_weather @eNCAWeather @venter_annette @debeer_anika @somersetwestend @JoelGuy_ @Netwerk24 @AfricaWeather_ @zarsg @AgriWesKaap pic.twitter.com/5BSKKDcISX
— ReenvalSA (@ReenvalSA) June 22, 2019
A thousand people had to be evacuated from the area surrounding a building in Bellville when it collapsed due to structural damage. The road was closed at Church and Wilshammer in Bellville to allowed disaster risk and fire services access to the 4-storey building.
According to Cape Town Traffic and Safety Services no one was injured in the building collapse.
In another incident, the R321 road between Grabouw and Villiersdorp had to be closed and traffic diverted because of damage from a huge sandstorm.
There are several vehicles stuck in the sand and the road surface is also completely covered in sand.
Authorites have asked locals to please make use of alternative routes until the situation has been resolved.
Kleinbosch #Cape_Town very strong #North_Wester #wind blowing and she is bringing rain ?️ Philip de Bruyn @SAWeatherServic @sawx_sa_weather @eNCAWeather @venter_annette @debeer_anika @TeamNews24 @JoelGuy_ @AgriWesKaap @WeatherAfrican @Newsweek @YouMagazine @zarsg pic.twitter.com/6txz7MQXPw
— ReenvalSA (@ReenvalSA) June 21, 2019
A light dusting of snow fell over some high-lying areas of the Western Cape. Temperatures are expected to drop to below freezing in the Matroosberg Mountains, Cederberg and Outeniqua Mountains on Saturday night. And more snow is expected for these areas.
The Stellenbosch Municipality also warden that the Franschhoek Pass has been closed due to rockfalls in obstructing the road.
Picture: @Reenval/Twitter
