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12 September 2020 Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert, Veld Fire Conditions – 12 September 2020

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert, Veld Fire Conditions – 12 September 2020

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

Hazard: Veld Fire Conditions

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/09/20 – 09h00

Valid To (SAST): 12/09/20 – 19h00

Are expected over the Central Karoo and Little Karoo Municipalities (Western Cape) tomorrow (12/09/2020).

Hazard: Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/09/20 – 11h00

Valid To (SAST): 13/09/20 – 00h00

Warning:  A Gale force north westerly wind (62 to 74 km/h) is expected over the Beaufort-West Municipality (WC) from tomorrow late morning, moderating by evening (12/09/2020).

Advisory:  Strong north-westerly winds (50-60 km/h) are expected over the Central and Little Karoo (WC) tomorrow afternoon (12/09/2020), including the interior of the Western Cape on Sunday (13/09/2020).

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 crosswinds if travelling 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.

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 a 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.

Report any severe weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.