Severe thunderstorms expected in the Eastern Cape on Sunday

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Cape.

The warning is valid on Sunday, 3 March.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE EASTERN CAPE

In an advisory, the weather service said a chance of thundershowers is expected over the Eastern Cape as a surface trough is dominating over the western interior of the country. The trough is coupled with upper air perturbations.

“There is a possibility that the expected storms may be severe and result in impacts,” the weather service said.

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED IN THE WESTERN CAPE

Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions are also expected in the Western Cape and Namaqua.

The weather service said a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to produce showers and thundershowers over the Western Cape on Monday, 4 March.

The severe thunderstorms are expected to be strong over the Cape Winelands and Overberg Districts.

This will result in rapid heavy downpours of approximately 20 – 40mm, excessive lightning, strong downdraft, and large amounts of small hail.

POSSIBLE IMPACT:

• SAWS said the severe thunderstorms may result in flash flooding of roads and susceptible settlements.
• Large amounts of small hail/large hail can cause damage to vehicles and difficult driving conditions.
• Major travel disruptions due to possible falling of trees blocking major roads
• Loss of agricultural production

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