The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has announced that another intense cold front is expected to make landfall over the south-western parts of South Africa on Wednesday, 25 June, bringing a significant shift in weather conditions across the region, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The cold front is forecasted to last until Friday, 27 June, and SAWS has issued the following weather warnings ahead of its landfall:
- Yellow level 4 warning for damaging waves from Wednesday evening
- Yellow level 2 warning for damaging winds on Wednesday
- Yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall on Wednesday until Thursday morning.
According to the weather service, the Western and Northern Cape provinces can expect wet and windy conditions and very cold conditions, with maximum temperatures reaching below 10ºC over the high-lying areas during this period.
As per SAWS, the public is warned of the following impacts:
- Heavy rainfall with a risk of localised flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas on Wednesday into Thursday
- Wet and slippery roads may result in dangerous driving conditions. Motorists should exercise caution and adhere to safety measures.
- Strong and gusty winds over the interior cause localised damage to structures and uproot trees.
- Cold to very cold conditions can be expected, along with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, spreading into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape
Maritime impacts include:
- Gale-force winds and very rough seas, with wave heights between 5.5 to 7.5m, along the coastlines of the Northern Cape and Western Cape will lead to disruptions to fishing and port operations and an increased risk of vessels capsizing, accidents at sea and hazardous shoreline conditions. Coastal residents and beachgoers are urged to exercise caution.
SAWS added that it will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required.
In light of these weather warnings, the City of Cape Town announced that the Disaster Risk Management Centre has alerted all relevant City departments and external partners to be on standby for potential impacts.
‘We ask that the public take heed of the warnings and do as much as possible to safeguard their properties during the forecast period, like waterproofing, clearing gutters and digging trenches to lead water away from their structures,’ said the City.
‘In the event of any life-threatening emergency, please call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.’
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