Severe Level 9 Weather Warning Imminent as Cold Front Hits Western Cape

The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 weather warning for the Overberg area of the Western Cape, marking a precarious journey ahead as a cold front made landfall on Sunday afternoon. This severe weather warning, given the highest level ever attained in the history of Western Cape, supersedes the Level eight alert issued during the Knysna storm in 2017.

The Western Cape disaster management officials have affirmed the alarm raised. The region is now bracing for gale-force winds and heavy rain from Sunday stretching into Monday. The authorities anticipate widespread flooding, substantial thunderstorms, rough seas, alongside the severe gusts hitting both Eastern and Western Cape.

With reservoirs at full capacity and the ground table already saturated, Overberg Disaster Management Chief, Reynard Geldenhuys, sent out a clarion call for serious attention to this looming danger. An emergency meeting with stakeholders took place earlier in the day and has paved the way for bolstered emergency teams on standby. Geldenhuys also urged the public to adhere to road safety measures especially in low lying areas and along the coastline.