Just days after heavy rain boosted dam levels across the Western Cape, residents are now being urged to prepare for another significant weather event that could bring flooding, damaged roads and widespread disruptions.
Retreat, Cape Town during severe flooding caused by heavy rain and cold fronts on July 09, 2024 in Cape Town South Africa/ER Lombard/Gallo Images
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued high-level weather warnings ahead of a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect large parts of the province from Wednesday.
Areas including the Garden Route and Central Karoo are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with forecasters warning that the system could bring intense rainfall capable of causing serious impacts on communities and infrastructure.
SAWS senior forecaster Elanie Hayneke said authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for flooding in both formal and informal settlements:
‘Flooding of roads, formal and informal settlements may lead to damage to infrastructure and the displacement of vulnerable communities. There is also a danger to life due to fast-flowing streams, while some communities may become inaccessible or be cut off for a prolonged period.’
The weather service has issued a Yellow level 4 warning as well as an Orange level 8 warning for affected regions, highlighting the severity of the expected conditions.
Cut-off low systems are among South Africa’s most disruptive weather events. Unlike a typical cold front that moves through relatively quickly, these systems can linger over an area for several days, producing prolonged rainfall and increasing the risk of flooding.
The warning comes at a time when many parts of the Western Cape are already saturated following recent storms. While the rainfall has helped replenish water supplies and pushed Cape Town’s dam levels above 70%, saturated ground can also increase the likelihood of flooding, mudslides and infrastructure damage during subsequent storms.
Motorists are also being advised to exercise caution.
According to Hayneke, the expected weather could severely impact travel conditions across the province:
‘Major disruption of traffic flow due to roads being flooded or damaged could lead to increased travel times. Mudslides and rockfalls, especially along mountain passes, are also possible.’
Mountain routes and passes throughout the province could become particularly hazardous if heavy rain triggers falling rocks or unstable slopes.
Emergency services and disaster management teams are likely to remain on high alert as the system develops, while residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are being encouraged to stay informed and monitor official weather updates.
Although winter rainfall is a normal part of life in the Western Cape, the intensity of this approaching system has raised concerns that some communities could face dangerous conditions if the heaviest forecasts materialise.
For now, residents are being urged to prepare for wet and potentially disruptive weather conditions as another powerful storm moves towards the province.
Article by Aiden Daries for Cape ETC
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