Disaster Risk Management is on standby to respond to flooding and other weather impacts in Cape Town. The weather service issued a Yellow Level 6 warning for rain. Images: Freepik/SAWS.
Level 6 WARNING: Heavy rain, flooding in Cape Town, Winelands
Cape Town and Cape Winelands are on high alert as the Weather Service issues a Level 6 warning for heavy rain and potential flooding.
Disaster Risk Management is on standby to respond to flooding and other weather impacts in Cape Town. The weather service issued a Yellow Level 6 warning for rain. Images: Freepik/SAWS.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 6 and Level 2 rain warning for the Western Cape on Tuesday, 13 June. The more severe Level 6 warning has a high chance of significant weather-based impacts.
Cape Town, Cape Winelands Brace for Heavy Rain
The warning is valid from midnight on Wednesday, 14 June, until midnight on Thursday, as a series of cold fronts are expected over most parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape on those days.
“Rainfall accumulations of about 25 to 30 millimetres can be expected, reaching 40 to 45 millimetres over high-lying areas of the West Coast, southeastern Cape Winelands and western Overberg districts on Wednesday and Thursday,” said the weather service.
READ: Bitter cold: Wet and windy weather spell from Monday to Thursday
In addition, disruptive rainfall is expected to hit the City of Cape Town and most parts of the Cape Winelands during this period. The weather service said rainfall accumulations of 45 to 60 millimetres, reaching 80 to 100 millimetres over high-lying areas, are expected.
The potential impacts include:
- Heavy downpours that could result in flooding.
- Difficult driving conditions and minor vehicle accidents, especially on dirt roads.
- Infrastructure damage in formal and informal areas.
- Disruption to essential services.
- Mudslides and rockfalls.
- Danger to life due to fast-flowing streams.
READ: Hold on tight! Western Cape faces strong winds with speeds up to 80km/h
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Sonica Lategan, said roleplayers are on standby to respond to flooding or other weather-related impacts that may occur.
“Residents are reminded that life-threatening emergency incidents should be directed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline,” said Lategan.
READ: Level 4 WARNING: Up to 80mm of rain in Cape Town and surrounds this week
