The weather service issued a Yellow Level 2 weather warning for waves in the Northern and Western Cape. Images: SAWS/Pixabay.
Weather: High waves and wind gusting up to 80km/h in the Cape
The weather service issued a warning for the Cape coastline, with wave heights reaching four to five metres and winds gusting up to 80km/h.
The weather service issued a Yellow Level 2 weather warning for waves in the Northern and Western Cape. Images: SAWS/Pixabay.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for waves in the Northern and Western Cape on Tuesday, 22 May. The weather warning key indicates there is a high likelihood of minor weather-based impacts.
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WAVE WARNING FOR NORTHERN AND WESTERN CAPE
The wave warning is valid from 12:00 on Thursday, 25 May, until 23:59 on Friday. Wave heights between four and five metres are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Thursday into Friday.
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“Together with these waves, southwesterly to westerly winds (40 to 60 km/h, gusting 70 to 80km/h) can be expected between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay on Thursday, while moderating from the west towards Friday morning,” said the weather service.
Rough, choppy and chaotic seas are expected along the coast due to wind and high wave heights.
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As previously reported, a cold front with an intense upper-air system is expected to bring heavy downpours to the Western Cape on Thursday. The rain is expected to start on Wednesday evening.
The potential impact of the waves includes:
- Difficulty navigating the sea for small vessels and personal watercraft, which are at risk of taking on water and capsizing.
- Localised disruption of small harbours or ports.
- Localised damage to coastal infrastructure.
- Localised disruption of beachfront activities.
- Members of the public could be swept off coastal rocks due to infrequent large waves.
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