Intense storm warning for Cape Town

The SA Weather Service is warning of a cold front off Cape Town which will bring heavy rain and gale force winds, with authorities advising motorists to steer clear of the roads.

Cape Town - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Thursday issued a warning about an approaching cold front off Cape Town which will bring heavy rain, gale force winds and rough seas, with City authorities advising motorists to steer clear of the roads.

According to SAWS an intense cold front will begin to hit Cape Town on Thursday night. The cold front will continue right through into Friday morning with an expected rainfall of 50-plus millimetres showering the mountainous areas of the peninsula.

SAWS said that strong to gale-force winds were expected overnight, followed by extremely cold conditions and rough seas on Friday.

The City's Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said: “This is the first advisory in some time, given that we've had very little significant rainfall in the last month or so, but our agencies are well versed in disaster risk management and will be on hand to assist any members of the public in need.

“We appeal to homeowners to ensure that they survey their properties to make sure that gutters and drains aren't blocked and that loose branches and roof sheeting are taken care of. I'd also like to advise motorists to stay off the roads if possible and if they have to drive somewhere, to please exercise extreme caution,” added Smith.

According to the City, the Disaster Operations Centre recorded a total of 134,114 residents in 34,842 structures that were affected by fire and inclement weather between June and August of this year alone.

The Centre facilitated social relief to the value of just under R24.5 million during this period which included meals, blankets, mattresses and vanity packs supplied by a number of non-governmental organisations such as the Red Cross Society, Salvation Army and the Mustadafin Foundation.

“We also have a plan in place to activate emergency shelter if required, but we find that in instances where people really cannot stay in their homes (particularly in informal settlements), most opt to stay with family or friends close by,” Smith.

“Our Disaster Risk Management staff will start surveying areas where problems are reported at first light, but they are available throughout the night if required. I would therefore advise the public to report incidents to the 107 call centre so that we can get to them as soon as possible,” Smith.

Members of the public can contact the City's Public Emergency Contact Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone to report any incidents related to the inclement weather.

African News Agency