Cape Times E-dition

Brace for rough weather, warn W Cape officials

STAFF REPORTER

LOCALISED flooding/flash flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges including mountain passes can be expected due to heavy downpours predicted for today.

Disruptive rainfall can be expected along the Garden Route, in the Central Karoo, Cape Winelands and Overberg (east of Ceres and Robertson), the SA Weather Service has warned.

It projects that between 20mm and 30mm of rain, strong gusty winds, severe lightning, and a large amount of small hail can be expected.

Localised damage to infrastructure and settlements as well as localised and short-term disruption to essential services can also be expected.

“We hope to see the good rains provide some welcome relief in this regard but must warn the public about the high likelihood of severe disruptions due to the severity of the storm,” said Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell.

He said the regions expected to be affected included some of the worst drought-stricken areas in the Western Cape.

“Localised flooding/flash flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges including mountain passes, such as Meiringspoort Pass, may occur due to heavy downpours.

“We urge the public to use extreme caution when travelling around the affected regions for the next two days as conditions may be hazardous and to avoid being outdoors as much as possible,” said Bredell.

In the event of an emergency, the public has been urged to contact the emergency services immediately by dialling 112 from any cellphone.

Additional regional numbers for reporting emergencies in the Western Cape are:

City of Cape Town - 107 or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357 Overberg – 028 425 1690 West Coast – 022 433 8700 Garden Route – 044 805 5071 Central Karoo – 023 449 8000 Cape Winelands – 021 886 9244/ 021 887 4446

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https://capetimes.pressreader.com/article/281513639353794

African News Agency