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11 June 2020 Severe Weather Alert

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:

Hazard Alert Level Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Flooding Warning 11/06/20 01h00 11/06/20 23h00

Localised urban flooding due to continuous ‘on and off’ rainshowers are expected over Cape Winelands, Cape Metropole, western parts of Overberg districts (W.Cape) as well as the eastern parts of Cederberg and Bergrivier municipalities (W.Cape) today (11/06/2020).

Description: Strong damaging winds
Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.Precautions:  Strong damaging winds
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.
Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.Descriptions: SnowSnow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.Precautions: Snow

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.  Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: An intense cod front

A tropical cyclone or an intense cyclonic system is a storm system characterized by a low pressure centre generating extreme winds and numerous showers and thundershowers that produce flooding rain and driving winds. These systems may produce torrential rain, high waves, and damaging storm surges resulting in extensive coastal and inland flooding up to 40 kilometres from the coastline.

Precautions: An intense cold frons

Dress in warm brightly coloured wet weather gear (clothing). In the case of a Tropical Cyclone pack a small waterproof survival kit made up of food and drinkable water. If possible wear a life vest or floatation device. If you have flares make sure these are sealed.

If caught unawares barricade windows with wooded panels or strips as the storm will shatter glass windows. If ordered to evacuate do so immediately and in an orderly fashion. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.     

Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.