The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that cold conditions gripping parts of the country will worsen midweek, as a powerful cold front moves into the Western and Northern Cape provinces. The system is expected to bring freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow on higher ground.
“Very cold, wet and windy conditions with heavy rainfall, strong interior winds and gale force coastal winds, very rough to high seas and light snowfall on the high ground can be expected,” said SAWS.
The service urged small stock farmers and residents to take precautions.
Western Cape government activates winter weather response plan
With several days of adverse weather ahead, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, confirmed that the province is prepared.
Bredell explained that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is coordinating with local municipalities to ensure communities are protected.
“Each local municipality in the province knows what is expected during the coming winter months to keep people safe,” he said.
Following the recent drowning of a young woman at a low-level bridge in Slanghoek, Bredell stressed the need for public weather awareness and personal responsibility during floods.
Public urged to prepare and stay alert
Residents are encouraged to develop household emergency plans and prepare “grab-and-go” kits containing essentials such as IDs, medications, chargers, and a first aid kit.
“Assess where you live, as your home may flood if you are near a river or if there is poor drainage,” the disaster centre advised.
Bredell also appealed to the public not to dump litter into stormwater drains, warning this could worsen flooding.
The public has also been urged to follow instructions from emergency personnel and evacuate when ordered.
Are you taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of extreme winter weather this week?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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