30 Jun 2021 | 09:54 AM UTC
South Africa: Severe weather, including heavy rain and flooding, forecast in the Western Cape Province through July 1
Severe weather, including heavy rain and flooding, forecast in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, through July 1
Event
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level six orange warning for flooding and heavy rainfall for portions of the Western Cape Province through July 1. The affected area includes the City of Cape Town and Theewaterskloof municipalities. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change.
The City of Cape Town and its surroundings have been affected by several days of heavy rainfall. Power outages have been reported in Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Joe Slovo, Llandudno, Lotus River, Maitland, Philippi, Plumstead, and Vrygond due to the storm. At least 6,300 people have been affected by localized floods.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Landslides cannot be discounted in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in traffic congestion. Inclement weather will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations, especially mountain passes and tunnels. The disruptive weather could cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations due to hazardous sea conditions impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before travel in the affected area through July 1. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions if routing shipments through affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
