Photo: Stock/Canva
The SA Weather Services has issued a yellow ‘Level 2 weather warning’ for severe thunderstorms and winds for the Western Cape.
Photo: Stock/Canva
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 alert for the Western Cape, forecasting ‘severe thunderstorms ‘and winds for Sunday and Monday.
It said strong to gale south-easterly force wind of 60 to 75km/h and gusts up to 80-85km/h is expected from Saturday afternoon into late Sunday along the coastlines between Saldanha Bay and Gansbaai, including the Cape Metropole on Saturday ceasing by Sunday evening.
“Alongside, wave heights of 3.5 to 4.5m are expected, reaching 5.0 to 5.5 from Saturday night into Sunday morning with south-easterly swell dominating and wave periods of 10-13s,” the SAWS said.
Showers and thundershowers are expected from the morning persisting until the evening.
“Higher amounts are expected east of Riversdale, mainly in the morning.
“The area of concern is between Mosselbay and Plettenberg Bay, where the highest amount of 40-50mm is possible. Some showers can have a quick and heavy downpour. The lightning associated with the thunderstorms might cause some impacts,” it said.
The SAWS warned that localised flooding/flash flooding susceptible formal/informal settlements and roads might occur.
“Major routes may be affected, contributing to longer travel times. Reduced visibility and slippery roads can also cause vehicle accidents.”
Motorists were cautioned to take extra care as roads are expected to be slippery and wet.
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Warning levels are colour-coded, using the robot system (yellow, orange and red). These colours will be dependent on the combination of the anticipated impacts and the likelihood of that impact occurring.
Impact-Based Warnings is issued for the following hazards:
“The main aim of the Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning System is for weather-related warnings to be better understood so that they reach more South Africans and the required actions can be taken well ahead of time in order to mitigate possible impacts. These warnings are aimed at every South African,” the SAWS said.
Five tips to keep you, your family and your possessions safe when there is lightning activity:
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