Impact Level: Notification
Locations Affected: Free State, Northern Cape, Overberg District Municipality, West Coast District Municipality, Eastern Cape, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, Witzenberg Municipalities, Breede Valley, Theewaterskloof, Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, City of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Tracking Id: RINTP5284299988
Description:
As per reports, the South African Weather Service has issued Orange level eight and Orange level six weather warnings for the Western Cape from Sunday (10 May) until Tuesday (12 May) due to forecast heavy rainfall, flooding, damaging winds, rough sea conditions, and possible infrastructure disruptions.
• Authorities have also placed provincial disaster management centres on high alert amid concerns over flooding, road closures, and service disruptions.
• An orange level eight warning has been issued for disruptive rainfall and flooding affecting the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, western Theewaterskloof, Breede Valley, and Witzenberg municipalities.
• Some mountainous areas may receive between 200 millimeters and 300 millimetres of rainfall during the warning period.
• An orange level five warning for damaging inland winds has been issued for parts of the Cape Winelands, western Central Karoo, and the northern and central parts of the Eastern Cape, with risks of falling trees, infrastructure damage, and possible power disruptions expected until Tuesday (12 May).
• A yellow Level four warning is been issued for damaging winds and rough sea conditions along the coastline between Alexander Bay and Lambert’s Bay until Tuesday (12 May), posing risks to maritime navigation.
• A yellow Level two warning for disruptive rainfall has also been issued for the northern parts of the West Coast, eastern Cape Winelands, and Overberg districts of the Western Cape until Tuesday (12 May), with risks of localised flooding affecting low-lying bridges and formal and informal settlements.
• A yellow Level two warning for damaging winds and disruptive snowfall remains in effect for parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Northern Cape until Monday (11 May) and Tuesday (12 May).
Background:
• An orange level eight warning indicates a high likelihood of severe weather causing significant disruption, danger to life, flooding, and damage to infrastructure.
• An orange level six warning indicates potentially dangerous weather conditions that may disrupt transport, coastal operations, and essential services, while an Orange Level five warning indicates a moderate to high risk of weather-related impacts such as property damage, falling trees, and localised service disruptions.
• A yellow level four warning indicates severe weather conditions with an increased risk of localised disruption and hazards, particularly for transport and maritime activities.
• A yellow level two warning indicates potentially disruptive weather conditions that may result in localised impacts such as slippery roads, flooding in low-lying areas, snowfall-related disruptions, and damage to vulnerable structures.
Impact:
• Heavy rainfall may cause flooding, waterlogging, and mudslides in low-lying and mountainous areas of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Breede Valley, Witzenberg, and surrounding municipalities.
• Strong winds may uproot trees, damage infrastructure, disrupt electricity and internet services, and create hazardous driving conditions.
• Flooded roads, fallen debris, and possible road closures may affect road transport operations, supply chain continuity, and employee mobility.
• Severe weather conditions may lead to disruptions to public transport schedules and possible delays to flights and intercity travel services.
Recommendations:
Employees planning to commute are advised to exercise caution and avoid routes known to be prone to waterlogging.
It is advised to avail information from the South African Weather Service (https://www.weathersa.co.za/) for ongoing updates.
Sources:
• https://www.suidkaapforum.com/News/Article/National-News/parts-of-western-cape-on-high-alert-as-level-8-weather-warning-remains-in-place-for-monday-202605101209
• https://www.parapolitika.gr/ellada/article/1724450/kairos-34aria-kai-afrikaniki-skoni-fernei-i-thermi-eisvoli-i-pio-duskoli-imera-kai-oi-thermokrasies-stin-athina-kai-alles-5-megales-poleis-video/
