7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Please find included the Updated Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Discussion: Showers and thundershowers expected today in the southwestern parts of the Western Cape and are expected clear from the west by this evening, and spreading along with the eastern parts of the Garden Route in the afternoon persisting into late Saturday evening. Rainfall accumulation of 40mm to 50mm can be expected for this evening into Saturday evening over the Garden Route.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Flooding of low-lying bridges may also occur as well as potholes may develop. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.

Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.