Cape Regions on High Alert as SA Weather Services Forecast Thunderstorms and Gale Winds

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has put the Cape regions on high alert for widespread storms and thunderstorms, set to impact large parts of the country this coming weekend. In particular, the western, southern, and central areas of South Africa are forecasted to experience widespread showers and thunderstorms.

SAWS warned of potential flooding due to heavy rainfall, especially in the Cape provinces. "Damaging winds are also very likely as the system moves over the southern parts of the country on Sunday and Monday, particularly in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape," the weather forecaster said. This severe weather system will subsequently lead to rough seas, with waves reaching up to six meters along the coastal areas of both Western and Eastern Cape provinces.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), echoing SAWS's weather warning, has urged seafarers to exercise extra caution. NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, reiterated the importance of not deliberately getting into harm's way. "Stay inside. Don’t drive. Don't launch to go to sea unless you absolutely have to. Be cautious and be safety-minded. Watch out for each other," Lambinon advised. He also stressed that seafarers should wear their life jackets and others including coastal hikers, shoreline anglers, paddlers, sail-boarders, surfers, and bathers, to refrain from venturing near rough seas, prioritizing safety above all else.