The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Orange level 6 and Yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rain in the Western Cape on Tuesday, 13 June as a series of cold fronts is expected over most parts of the Western Cape.
A level 6 warning indicates a high chance of significant weather-based impacts.
The warning is valid from midnight on Wednesday, 14 June, until 11:59pm on Thursday.
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‘Rainfall accumulations of about 25 to 30 millimetres can be expected, reaching 40 to 45 millimetres over high-lying areas of the West Coast, southeastern Cape Winelands and western Overberg districts on Wednesday and Thursdays,’ said SAWS.
Furthermore, it is expected that disruptive rainfall will hit the City of Cape Town and most parts of the Cape Winelands during this time. Rainfall accumulations of 45 to 60 millimetres reaching 80 to 100 millimetres over high-lying areas are also expected.
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Potential weather-related impacts, according to SAWS, include:
- Heavy downpours resulting in flooding.
- Difficulty driving and potential minor vehicle accidents, especially on dirt roads.
- Damage to infrastructure in formal and informal areas.
- Essential service disruptions.
- Possible mudslides and rockfalls.
- Danger to life when crossing fast-flowing streams.
Residents are urged to remain cautious and report emergencies promptly, given the possibility of flooding and damage over the next 24 to 36 hours.
Additionally, SAWS has also issued a Yellow level 1 warning for disruptive winds as the series of cold fronts is expected to cause periods of strong winds.
‘Strong to gale force westerly to north-westerly winds (50 to 70kph gusting 80kph) are expected over the City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Overberg and Central Karoo,’ said the weather service.
The warning is valid from Tuesday, 13 June, 8pm until Thursday, 15 June, 8pm.
SAWS said the winds along the south-western coastal towns will be moderate by Wednesday late morning.
The City of Cape Town’s disaster risk management spokesperson, Sonica Lategan, said ‘related City departments and external roleplayers are on standby, in the evet of any flooding or other weather-related impacts that may occur’.
‘Residents are reminded that life-threatening emergency incidents should be directed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.’
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