Severe Storm Warning Activates Disaster Management Centre in Western Cape

The Western Cape remains on high-alert status today; this move comes following the South African Weather Service's (SAWS) confirmation of an incoming storm, alarmingly more severe than initial reports had suggested. As a result, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre has been set into operation as a proactive measure.

Previously, SAWS had communicated an Orange level 9 warning for specific areas including sections of Overberg, Garden Route, and the southern area of the Cape Winelands Districts in Western Cape. This level of warning indicates anticipated widespread flooding, substantial rainfall of over 100mm, and overfull catchments potentially adding to downstream flooding.

Eastern Cape's Nelson Mandela Bay Metro has also been affected, recording rainfall of nearly 40 millimeters over the weekend. The region is bracing itself for continued flooding, turbulent seas, and destructive winds, anticipated for the rest of the weekend and moving into the coming week.

However, despite these harsh conditions, there have been no casualties or damage recorded directly related to the weather; SAWS forecasts rainfall over the next 48 hours to likely exceed 100 millimetres.

While the weather is harsh, it brings welcome respite to the drought-stricken regions within the Bay area, ushering in hopes of replenishing their water reserves.