Residents of the Overberg Region are warned that localised flooding may occur on Tuesday, November 12. A severe weather warning has been issued by the Cape Town Weather Office for both the Overberg and Garden Route regions, as several days are rain are forecast for the areas over the next week.
“Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged periods of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms,” the Weather Office said. “Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.”
“If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level,” the Weather Office said. “Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by floodwater.”
The Weather Office also advises residents not to drive on a road covered by water. “You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.”
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