A number of roads in the City of Cape have been affected by heavy rain. Officials are busy with assessments in a number of areas where flooding has been reported.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level 8 warning for gale force winds and heavy rainfall for today and into next week.
Adverse weather conditions are being experienced in several areas.
The City’s traffic spokesperson, Maxine Bezuidenhout says with the prevailing forecast, more roads are likely to be affected.
Bezuidenhout says, “We appeal to motorists to please be vigilant, proceed with caution and obey the speed limit, and to drive with their headlights on at all times, so that they are visible to other road users.”
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has cautioned the public to heed the weather warnings.
“We are experiencing severe weather conditions in the Western Cape at the moment. Please make sure that you take care of yourself and others. Please make sure that you listen to law enforcement officials and traffic officials, and don’t spread unverified messaging, don’t unnecessarily travel and make sure that you stay safe and you keep your families safe. We will keep you updated with regular weather updates,” says Winde.
VIDEO | WC Disaster Management Officials on high alert:
Traffic authorities in the Eastern Cape are keeping a close eye on the developing weather system due to move across the province overnight.
The spokesperson for the Department of Transport in the province, Unathi Binqose, says their focus is on the high lying areas where overnight temperatures are predicted to dip below zero degrees Celsius.
“Our traffic law enforcement officers and rapid response teams will keep an eye on our roads and if there is a need to effect any road closures due to snowfalls, we will do that to avoid anyone from being trapped in the snow,” says Binqose.
Staying in the Eastern Cape, the Buffalo City Metro is also on high alert to respond to incidents brought about by the predicted winter storm approaching from the west.
The Metro’s spokesperson, Sam Ngwenya says the storm is expected to arrive in the metro by late tonight into tomorrow.
Ngwenya says there are a number of people who are still displaced from the flooding a month ago, but they are being taken care of.
“We have been interacting with our key stakeholders. Our disaster management teams are on alert as well as our teams for the beaches. We’re expecting the rough seas to affect our coastline however, we are aware it might spread throughout the region, hence the issue of the alert,” says Ngwenya.
Moving to the Free State, the Umbrella Fire Protection Association (FSUFPA) has warned farmers about possible veld fires as strong winds coupled by extremely cold conditions are expected in the province until Monday.
Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and health of their livestock.
FSUFPA General manager, Savage Breytenbach, says strong winds might lead to damage to infrastructure.
“Potential infrastructure damage that can be caused by very strong winds is a concern in general. But in particular for us, articulation in the structure of Eskom that might be damaged during this period is of concern because there is a potential ignition source which can be a source for veld fires.”
