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Author: Marlene Nqumse

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

Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 6 May 2021

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

Please note: The Impact Based Warning w.r.t Disruptive Rain has not been revised by SAWS meaning that the previous warning send yesterday is still valid.

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.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 06/05/21 –  01h00 06/05/21 –  23h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Table Bay and Stilbaai.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.

Instruction: 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. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow(L1) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Table Bay 06/05/21 – 01h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay throughout Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Table Bay and Stillbaai on Thursday.

Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.

Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.

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

Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 5 May 2021

Please find included several Impact Based Warnings 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.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Disruptive Rain Yellow(L4) Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Hessequa, Langeberg, Stellenbosch 05/05/21 –  20h00 06/05/21 –  23h00

Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected over the City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands (mainly central and southern) as well as Hessequa municipality from Wednesday evening and intermittently throughout Thursday, where rainfall accumulations between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. With the thunderstorms, there is a small chance of hail. Lightning will occur as well as strong winds over short periods as a result of thunderstorm downburst.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Thursday. 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.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Hout Bay and Stilbaai. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.

Instruction: 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. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L4) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 23h00

Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Hout Bay and Stilbaai from Wednesday late morning continuing into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Hout Bay and Stillbaai from Wednesday afternoon and throughout Thursday.

Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.

Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.

5 May 2021 Media Release: Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape

Media Release: Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape

For Immediate Release
5 May 2021

Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape – 5 to 6 May 2021

A cut-off low is expected to affect the Western Cape from tomorrow (Wednesday 5 May) into Thursday, resulting in widespread showers and thundershowers, strong winds, and very rough sea conditions especially from Wednesday evening, extending into Thursday.

Read more: SAWS Media Release – Medrel 4 May 2021

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

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

Please find included several Impact Based Warnings 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.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow (L1) Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay 05/05/21 –  08h00 06/05/21 –  00h00

Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing considerable rain and showers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape from tomorrow morning spreading eastwards over the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Rain continues for the south coastal areas on Thursday and Friday. With this system wave, heights are expected to reach 4.0-5.5m between Cape Columbine and Stilbaai from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds 60-80km/h) is expected along the west and south-west coastal areas from Wednesday early morning spreading to Still Bay by evening and continuing into Thursday. Please note that there is high uncertainty with this system and models have not been consistent. We will continue to monitor the conditions and update warnings.

Impact: Small vessels can possibly be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. There is also a possibility of difficulty in navigation such as small vessels in a short period and steep waves. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities such as the closure of beaches for swimming can also 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 spring tides.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Disruptive Rain Yellow (L4) Bitou, Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Stellenbosch, Witzenberg 05/05/21 – 20h00 06/05/21 – 00h00

Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing rain and showers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected in the Overberg, Garden Route and the City of Cape Town from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, where rainfall accumulations of between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. A further 05-10mm can be expected on Friday for the same areas. We will continue to monitor the conditions and update warnings.

Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements are possible that could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Wednesday. 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. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. 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.

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid from (SAST) Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow (L4) Cape Agulhas, City of Cape Town, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay, Overstrand 05/05/21 –  18h00 06/05/21 – 00h00

Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly wind of 62-70km/h and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday late morning along the coastlines between Cape Columbine and Stilbaai, including the Cape Metropole and Overberg during the afternoon. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.

Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea. Some disruption to operations for small harbours and ports may occur, and also disruptions to beachfront activities are possible. Inland: strong winds will result in dangerous driving conditions, damage to settlements, falling of trees and interruptions to power lines and communications.

Instruction: 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. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

>>>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.”

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

30 April 2021 Media Release: Adaptive Capacity Facility Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme to be project managed by the GRDM

Media Release: Adaptive Capacity Facility Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme to be project managed by the GRDM

For immediate release
30 April 2021

Adaptive Capacity Facility Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme to be project managed by the GRDM

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is one of three (3) district municipalities that were selected to be the beneficiaries of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) Adaptive Capacity Facility (ACF): Climate Resilient Human Settlements Pilot Programme. The Government of Flanders will fund this programme through its Country Strategy Paper (CSPIII) over five years. The funds will mainly be used to implement climate change adaptation projects that build human adaptive capacity.

The programme intends to select projects across three (3) typologies. These include urban settlements, peri-urban settlements, and rural settlements. These settlement typologies fall under the banner of “testing climate-resilient human settlements”.

After an extensive two-day site visit investigation by DEFF from 22 – 26 March 2021, the high fire risks within the GRDM and the threat of these fire risks to vulnerable communities were identified as a focus area for a project that will be funded as part of the programme.

The first co-creation workshop (one of three planned workshops) was arranged in Knysna to workshop possible fire resilient projects and challenges. The workshop included all the key stakeholders within the project area and the participation of some vulnerable community leaders/members.

The day before the workshop, on 23 March 2021, DEFF’s videographer visited some key fire risk areas in the Garden Route to document the conditions and challenges on the ground.

At the workshop, various presenters provided information on the project focus areas, fire risks and impacts within the GRDM, as well as current and future climatic changes and predictions on what this will mean for the fire risks to vulnerable communities going forward.

The workshop also included conveying the traumatic experiences of stakeholders such as the authorities and vulnerable community members during the 2017/18 Knysna/Plettenberg Bay fires.

Second Workshop – 23 April 2021

From 21 to 23 April 2021, the GRDM, DEFF/ACF and critical stakeholders had a fruitful second workshop to have more detailed discussions on priority interventions to be unpacked into projects. The workshop outcomes included the following priority intervention categories:

  • Ecosystem-based fuel load management: To include block burning, fire breaks, alien clearing as well as an initial follow-up; fire-scaping; access /escape route management;
  • Early fire detection and monitoring: cameras and towers;
  • Training: Development of a training academy, train the trainer, “training – to be wildfire ready”, basic land management principles; workshops on legislative requirements.

During the two workshop engagements, all the stakeholders agreed upon the following project criteria. The GRDM will lead the project, and although the initial idea was that the interventions would be geographically focused in the Knysna area, particular emphasis will be on the areas identified as high-risk areas in the recently completed macro fire risk assessment by the GRDM.

The project will address fire risk from a climate change adaptation perspective. The project interventions must have a robust interface with human settlements (meaning that we need to consider the project interventions’ impacts on the selected human settlements, and we need to take into consideration the needs of that human settlement/s);

The project interventions will be located within an urban setting. This does not mean that the settlements need to be formal dwellings and “high-income” communities; on the contrary, grassroots communities vulnerable urban settlements will be the primary target audience. This means that informal settlements and forest communities with strong links to urban areas will be targeted.

 

ENDS

30 April 2021 Media Release: Western Cape Premier Alan Wine and Minister Tertuis Simmers visit Garden Route Housing Projects

WESTERN CAPE PREMIER ALAN WINDE AND MINISTER TERTUIS SIMMERS VISIT GARDEN ROUTE HOUSING PROJECTS

30 April 2021

Yesterday, Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers visited the Mountain View Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) in Mosselbay, which is currently still under construction. Pursuant to this, Premier Winde and Minister Simmers also visited the Syferfontein IRDP in George.

The Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, said: “As the Western Cape Government, we are committed to creating opportunities for ownership and are driving this through the Department of Human Settlements’ numerous catalytic projects. During our visits to Mountain View project in Mossel Bay and the Syferfontein project in Pacaltsdorp today we had the opportunity to engage with recipients of housing opportunities who have now become home-owners.”

By creating opportunities for ownership, we are enabling residents to accrue assets which not only give them security but can also be leveraged. This ultimately ensures that vulnerable families can start to change the financial circumstances of generations to follow. Ownership must be our aim when creating sustainable human settlements, as it guarantees that we empower residents in the province into the future.”

The Mountain View IRDP which commenced in July 2019 with a budget of R 297 million is estimated to be completed by July 2022. Upon conclusion, it is expected to create 1 006 housing opportunities, which consists of 725 BNG units, 278 FLISP units, 1 Commercial Sites and 2 public open spaces/Playground.

The Syferfontein IRDP in George which has a budget of R 434 million commenced August 2018 and is expected to be concluded later this year. It is set to deliver 2 113 housing opportunities. This will consist of 1 668 Breaking New Ground (BNG)/free housing, 233 FLISP and various other commercial, faith and social entities. To date, 67 qualifying and deserving beneficiaries have already moved in.

Minister Simmers said: “I was happy to witness how quickly the beneficiaries are settling in and how they’re taking ownership of their space. The joy on their faces and general positive feedback serves as encouragement to continue serving our people in this manner.

This also demonstrates the Western Cape Government’s commitment to continue improving the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. It is further pleasing to note how the Syferfontein development is playing its role in integrating our citizens, as people from various backgrounds, creeds, languages, cultures and sexual orientations are now living in one new community.

I’d also like to thank all provincial and municipal officials for ensuring there’s been a swift response from the contractor to address some of the snags reported by beneficiaries. We’re looking forward to the conclusion of both projects so that more people can take ownership of these new opportunities and participate in this lifechanging experience.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

19 April 2021 Weather Alert: Weather forecast

Weather Alert: Weather forecast 19 April 2021

Rain: There is 60% chance of light rain along the south-coast from today morning, spreading to the adjacent interior and the Central Karoo District from this afternoon. The rainfall is expected to be cleared by the mid-morning tomorrow along the western parts of the south coast, but remaining everywhere else until in the afternoon. Light rain is also expected on Wednesday morning along with the eastern parts of the south-coast, spreading throughout the south-coast by the evening until the early hours of Thursday morning. No significant weather expected from Thursday afternoon until Saturday afternoon. A weak cold front approaching the Western Cape Province is expected to make landfall on Saturday evening, resulting in light rain over the south-western parts of the province, spreading to the south-coast by Sunday morning while clearing from the west, remaining only along with the extreme eastern parts of the south-coast by the evening.

Winds: are expected to be strong easterly to south-easterly over the Cape Metropole and along with the south-western coastal areas today until tomorrow in the afternoon. A Yellow level 1 warning for WINDS has been issued with possible impacts such as possible runaway fires over these areas and other possible impacts. Otherwise, light to moderate southerly to south-easterly winds are expected throughout the province for the most part of the week.

Temperatures: are expected to be cool to warm along the coastal areas, but warm to hot over the interior.

Coastal winds:  Winds are expected to be moderate to strong easterly to south-easterly for the most part of the week, moderating along the West-Coast by tomorrow afternoon where it becomes south-westerly, spreading to the south-coast by Friday afternoon.

Sea state: Mostly 2.0 to 3.0m wave heights, reaching 4.0 to 5.0m along the south-western coastline from Sunday afternoon, mostly south-westerly swells but easterly along the south-coast.

Most recent spring tide date: 12 April 2021

Issued by the South African Weather Service.

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

19 April 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 19 April 2021

Please find included the 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.”

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From(SAST) Valid To(SAST)
 Damaging Winds Yellow(L1) City of Cape Town, M_Cape Agulhas, M_Cape Agulhas, M_City of Cape town, M_Hessequa, M_Overstrand, M_Saldanha Bay, M_Swartland, M_Table Bay 19/04/21 05h00 20/04/21 23h00

Discussion: A high-pressure system south-west of the country will result in strong, south-easterly winds along the south-west coast of the Western Cape, and in places over Cape Metropole. Wind speed will be between 40 to 65km/h, with gusts reaching 75km/h. The wind are expected to moderate north of Slangkop on Tuesday morning. Along with the strong winds, wave heights of 4.5m between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas are expected resulting in very rough and choppy seas.

Impact: Considering warm, dry and windy conditions there is risk of additional fires are possible along with the further spreading of the Devils Peak fire. Furthermore, some transport routes, as well as high-sided vehicles, might be affected and/or blown over due to crosswinds. Some localised structural damage is also possible. For the coastal waters, difficulty in navigation of small vessels and personal water crafts such as kayaks are likely. There is also a risk for these small vessels to take on water and capsize in totality.

Instruction: Be aware of the following: – sudden crosswinds if travelling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and debris on roads. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored and refrain from starting uncontrolled fires.

Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at:

044 805 5071.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town