Capetonians warned of strong winds across the province

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

The Western Cape Provincial Government has warned the public to heed warnings of strong winds across the province as well as high waves along the Western Cape coastline from Tuesday to Thursday.

The South African Weather Services issued a Level 6 warning for damaging winds over the Garden Route, eastern Overberg, eastern parts of the Cape Winelands and southern Central Karoo on Tuesday. 

High waves of between 4m and 8m between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay are expected from Tuesday until Thursday. 

Strong north-westerly to westerly winds of 60 to 80km/h, gusting from 80 to 100km/h, is expected along the same stretch of coast. The combination of high waves and strong winds is expected to cause very choppy and rough sea conditions.

“We call on people to be mindful of the expected severe weather. Soils are saturated from the recent rains, so we can expect trees being uprooted, and damage to wind exposed structures are possible. 

“Please avoid activities along the coast and at sea. Of particular concern is recreational sailors in small boats and rock anglers,” Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said. 

Bredell said the incoming storm was another good example of why coastal provinces should work together regarding disaster risk management. 

“This weather system will also impact on the Northern Cape coast and could potentially reach the Eastern Cape coast as well. It makes sense for us to work together during these severe weather events,” Bredell said. – SAnews.gov.za