The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre (WCDMC) has received a severe weather warning from South African Weather Services (SAWS) for 25 to 28 July indicating that an intense cut-off low pressure system is expected. This weather system is expected to affect the Western Cape as follows:

1. Very heavy rain is expected in places over the coastal areas of the Eden District and Overberg District this evening (Monday), spreading to the Cape Metropole, Cape Winelands and southern parts of the West Coast districts tomorrow (Tuesday). This may lead to localised flooding in these areas.
2.  Gale force south-easterly wind (65-75km/h) is expected between Stilbaai and Table Bay on Tuesday.
3. High seas with wave heights in excess of 6 metres is expected between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay tomorrow.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the WCDMC wants to alert the public to the forecast and is cautioning people to take care over the coming few days, especially when outdoors.

“The public and small stock farmers are further advised that very cold conditions and light snowfall can be expected in some parts of the province.”

The WCDMC is already in a state of readiness and has proactively sent the early weather warning to municipalities throughout the Province. Municipalities have the necessary plans in place to deal with emergencies should the need arise.

Western Cape Disaster Management will monitor the situation and all disaster management centres are on high alert.

Issued by Western Cape Government