Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape:
Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid From (SAST)
Valid To (SAST)
Veld Fire Conditions
Red(L10)
Beaufort West, Hantam, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Khâi-Ma, Laingsburg, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert
21/11/20 08h00
21/11/20 18h00
Discussion: Weather conditions which includes hot temperatures, fresh to strong winds and low humidity might result in the development of veld/bush fires.
Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.
Instruction: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning as follows:
Hazard: Disruptive Rain
Alert Level: Yellow(L2)
Affected Municipalities: Bitou, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Swellendam
Valid From (SAST): 17/11/20 – 12h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/11/20 – 00h00
DISCUSSION: Significant rain is expected to affect the eastern parts of the Overberg district tomorrow afternoon, spreading to the coastal areas of the Garden Route District from late evening into Wednesday morning.The accumulated rainfall is likely to reach between 40 to 50mm over the period due to the strong southerly to south-easterly winds aided by an intense upper air system.
IMPACT: Localised flooding can be expected in susceptible formal and informal settlements and roads. Increased travel times and motor vehicle accidents may occur along with difficult driving conditions on dirt roads. Localised and short term disruption to essential services may also occur in places.
INSTRUCTION: If possible stay indoors and off the roads, 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. Take caution driving on a roads covered by water. 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.
News Release For immediate release
13 November 2020
Garden Routers join efforts to remove nurdles from Mossel Bay and Hessequa coastline
On Wednesday, 4 November and Friday, 6 November 2020, a team representing various organisations removed tens of thousands of nurdles from two beaches in Mossel Bay and Hessequa respectively. The clean-up operation took place after the nurdles were spilled along the Garden Route District Coastline during October this year.
Nurdles spilled at beaches on the Garden Route coastline.
The remnants of the spill is still a cause of concern because it poses a threat to marine life, coastal ecosystems and estuaries. According to Martina MacDonald, Disaster Management Officer at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), nurdles have been washing up along the Garden Route coastline, even in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. She said: “The source of the spill is unknown and under investigation by the South African Maritime Safety Authority, and although the identified source will be instructed to clean up, we needed to start removing the plastics from our beaches. Requests from residents from the area were also received to remove the nurdles, which indicated that communities have also been extremely concerned,” she added.
The remnants of the spill is still a cause of concern because it poses a threat to marine life, coastal ecosystems and estuaries.
Representatives from GRDM, Hessequa and Mossel Bay Local Municipalities, the Incident Working Group Africa and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) during the clean-up operation.
Although the clean-up operation was carried out, not all the nurdles could be removed due to the large scale of the spill. However, every bit that was cleaned up forms an integral piece of contribution to the overall solution of the problem. For this reason, the GRDM Disaster Management Centre encourages all members of the public and residents to continue collecting nurdles and also to spread the message of the threat that it poses to marine life and the eco-system.
Dr Nina Viljoen, Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation Practitioner at GRDM who drafted the initial action plan, said: “In the raw stage (pre-moulded and packaged) new nurdles are not toxic to touch. Once released into the marine environment they will, over time, attract harmful substances from land-based pesticides, herbicides and other organic pollutants that end up in the ocean. They never go away, but they break down into tiny pieces that then get eaten by small marine organisms, and then eventually can become part of the human food chain”.
She mentioned that, “while the investigation into the source of the nurdles is being undertaken, SpillTech has been appointed to assist and conduct clean-up efforts along the affected sections of the coastline. SpillTech will also be storing the nurdles collected through clean-up efforts and are working with authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations and volunteer groups to identify collection points and arrange the pick-up of nurdles.”
Dr Viljoen called on community members to assist to remove as many nurdles from affected beaches as possible. The GRDM requested that any private individuals who collects nurdles, to make note of information listed below. This data needs to be shared with Dr Viljoen via e-mail, nina@gardenroute.gov.za, as this information is required to assist us with important research data.
Responses needed to plan additional short and long-term solutions:
Where nurdles have been seen?
Where nurdles have been collected?
If you have collected it, how many, i.e. black bags, etc. (nurdles collected to be weighed if possible)
Where have you dropped it off?
Have you encountered any bird or animal carcasses?
Dr Viljoen indicated that “it is important to note that nurdles should not end up in our landfill sites, as it can be ingested by animals or birds. Any collected nurdles should therefore not be disposed of in the general waste, but should be placed in a sealed bag and taken to the nearest drop-off points.” For more information regarding your nearest drop-off points, SpillTech can be contacted on 063 404 2128.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape, as follows:
Hazard: Veld Fire Conditions
Alert Level: Red(L10)
Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Hantam, Kamiesberg, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Khâi-Ma, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Nama Khoi, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert
Valid From (SAST): 12/11/20 08h00
Valid To (SAST): 13/11/20 18h00
Discussion: Weather conditions which includes hot temperatures, fresh to strong winds and low humidity might result in the development of veld/bush fires.
Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.
Instruction: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.
Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
Discussion: Significant low freezing levels are expected over the interior of the Western Cape and southern parts of the Northern Cape for Thursday and Friday morning due to a passage of a cold front supported by an intense upper cut-off low pressure system. Snowfall is anticipated to cover the mountainous areas during the period. Cold wet and windy weather can be expected.
Impact: Loss of vulnerable crops and livestock, especially sheep that has already been sheered. Light snow leading to icy roads high up in mountains.
Instruction: Small stock farmers are encourage to shelter animals. Dress warmly and avoid high mountain passes if possible. Make contact with your closest disaster manager or community leader and keep listening to the Radio for updates. Bring livestock in and sheltered overnight.
Discussion: A deep high pressure system (center 1037hPa) accompanied by an intense upper cut-off low pressure system in the upper levels will result in strong southerly to southeasterly winds over the Northern and Western Cape provinces, including the coastal areas from late Wednesday through to early Friday morning. Swell heights are expected to reach 4 to 6m on Thursday along the entire coastlines easing off from early Friday morning. The area of concern is between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay due to the southerly component of both the wind and waves.
Impact: Difficulty in navigation is likely. Small vessels are at risk of taking on water and capsizing. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities and danger to rock anglers can be expected.
Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Be aware of strong rip currents especially during periods around spring tide (30 Sep 2020 – 04 October 2020).
Discussion: Significant rain is expected for the Overberg, southern parts of the Garden Route District and Central Karoo Districts from tomorrow Thursday morning into Friday. The accumulated rainfall is likely to reach between 35 to 45mm over the period due to the strong southerly winds aided by a cut-off low pressure system in the upper levels.
Impact: Localised flooding can be expected in susceptible formal and informal settlements and roads. Increased travel times and motor vehicle accidents may occur along with difficult driving conditions on dirt roads. Localised and short term disruption to essential services may also occur in places.
Instruction: If possible stay indoors and off the roads, 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. Take caution driving on a roads covered by water. 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 telephone number 044 805 5071.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the weather outlook for the week, as follows:
A weak cold front is expected to brush through the South Western parts by late afternoon (Monday) resulting in rainfall between 0.2mm to 5mm, spreading to the South Coast by late evening. Wind is expected to reach 20 to 30km/h and slightly higher along the south and South Western coastal areas.
No significant weather predicted for Tuesday.
A cold front associated with an intense upper air system (cut-off low) is expected to affect the Province from Wednesday afternoon through to Friday morning. Accumulated rainfall amounts of 15 to 35mm are be expected in places in the Cape Metropole and Cape Winelands but 40 to 65mm in the Overberg, Garden Route and Central Karoo over the period.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly on Thursday where Snowfalls are expected over the mountainous areas of Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and the Garden Route.
Strong and gusty southerly to South Easterly winds (45-60km/h) are expected on Wednesday through to Friday over the Province.
WIND:
Generally moderate to fresh (25 to 40km/h) Southerly to South Westerly winds are expected for the rest of the week, but strong to near gale southerly to South Easterly (50 to 62km/h) with gusts >63km/h are expected between Alexander Bay and Cape Agulhas by late Wednesday afternoon, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the evening, persisting into Friday.
WAVES:
Two to 3m wave heights are expected for the rest of the week, but very rough seas with wave height of 4 to 5.5m are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay by late Wednesday evening into early Friday morning with south-westerly swell and periods of 10 to 12 seconds becoming southerly to South-South Easterly from Thursday morning south of Slangkop.
VISIBILITY:
Generally good visibility is expected for the week but moderate to poor in rain and showers between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay from late Wednesday evening into early Friday morning.
Weather conditions will be monitored during the week and any further developments will be communicated if need be.
For more information, contact the Garden Route Disaster Managment Centre at 044 805 5071.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:
Hazard 1: High Seas
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 13/09/20 13h00
Valid To (SAST): 14/09/20 00h00
High seas with wave heights between 6-8m is expected between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay from tomorrow afternoon into early Monday morning (13-14/09/2020).
Hazard 2: Veld Fire Conditions
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 12/09/20 09h00
Valid To (SAST): 13/09/20 18h00
Veld fire conditions are expected over the Central Karoo and Little Karoo (W.Cape) today and tomorrow (12-13/09/2020).
Hazard 3: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 12/09/20 11h00
Valid To (SAST): 13/09/20 18h00
A gale force north westerly wind (62 to 74km/h) is expected over the Beaufort West Municipality (W.Cape) this afternoon, but including the Central and Little Karoo and eastern parts of the Cape Winelands tomorrow (12-13/09/2020). Advisory Strong north-westerly winds (50-60km/h) are expected over the Central and Little Karoo (W.Cape) this afternoon including the interior of the Western Cape tomorrow (12-13/09/2020).
Description: Storm surges / High Seas
Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.
In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.
Precautions: Storm surges / High Seas
Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.
Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.
Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.
Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.
If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.
Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.
News Release: Donations to vulnerable communities welcomed
Recently the Indigo Fruit Farm in Heidelberg (Hessequa) donated two containers of naartjies respectively to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre for distribution to vulnerable communities.
Representatives of Indigo Farm and Garden Route District Municipality with the nectarines donated to the communities of the Garden Route.
The first donation was made in July and the second donation later in August 2020. Approximately 1 360 packets of naartjies, 4 100 (kg) kilograms were collected by the GRDM team from the farm.
Mr Frank Oosthuizen, Manager at Indigo Fruit, said: “Our donation came at a time when vulnerable communities in the Garden Route needed it the most and we could therefore reach out to these households. We are grateful to the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre who indicated that they would be able to distribute the fruit to the local municipalities for distribution in their respective municipal areas”.
Mr Gerhard Otto, Manager of Disaster Management at GRDM, extended a word of appreciation to the Indigo Farm for their generous donation to the communities of the district.
The Cape Weather Office has issued the following expected weather forecast for the week and severe weather alerts as follows:
FORECAST:
An intense Cut-off low is developing and is associated with a low pressure system at the surface. Winds are expected to reach 50 to 65km/h gusting 65 to 82km/h along the south coast from tomorrow afternoon and over the eastern parts of the Western Cape Province by Wednesday.
Showers and thundershowers are expected over the eastern parts Tuesday night, spreading over the whole Province by Wednesday. Good rainfall amounts are also expected over the Overberg District and Cape Town (35 to 45mm) by Wednesday thus heavy rain leading to localised flooding can be expected over those areas.
Offshore conditions are expected for Thursday and Friday, with a high pressure system dominant over the country. A cold front is expected to make landfall over the south western parts overnight Saturday, spreading to the east by the afternoon, clearing by the evening. Not more than 10mm of rainfall amounts are expected.
Wind: Tomorrow an intense cut-off low develops along our West Coast, associated with a low pressure system at the surface. Gale to strong gale force easterly 65 to 90km/h winds are expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay by Tuesday afternoon into the evening, becoming north westerly 65 to 90km/h wind from Wednesday morning, moderating from the west.
Waves: In general wave heights are expected to be 3.0 to 4.0m with south-westerly swell, reaching 5.0 to 6.0m east of Cape Agulhas (very rough seas) by Tuesday evening but 6.5 to 7.0m between Still Bay and Plettenberg Bay (high seas), with easterly swells, subsiding by Thursday morning.
Visibility: Generally good visibility is expected for the week, but moderate in rain and showers along the coastal areas of the south western parts, clearing towards the evening. Moderate to poor visibility is also expected by Tuesday evening into Wednesday, clearing towards the evening of Thursday. Another Cold front expected to make landfall Saturday thus moderate visibility in showers and rain along the west coast spreading along the south coast by the evening, clearing by Sunday.
ALERTS:
HAZARD 1: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 01/09/20 12h00
Valid To (SAST): 02/09/20 00h00
Gale to strong gale force easterly to south-easterly winds (65-90km/h) are expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay including the adjacent coastal towns from Tuesday afternoon, becoming north-westerly from Wednesday morning (01-02/09/2020).
Gale to strong gale force north-westerly interior winds (65-80km/h) are expected over the Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route Districts on Wednesday (02/09/2020).
HAZARD 2: High Seas
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 02/09/20 00h00
Valid To (SAST): 02/09/20 00h00
High seas with wave heights in excess of 6m is expected between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday (02/09/2020).
Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alert:
Hazard: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 29/08/20 08h00
Valid To (SAST): 29/08/20 18h00
A gale force (62-70km/h) westerly wind is expected between Stillbaai and Plettenberg Bay Saturday (29/08/2020) morning until the evening.
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.
Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
