South Africa: Adverse weather forecast to persist over parts of Western Cape Province through April 9 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of Western Cape Province through at least April 9. Strong winds and heavy rainfall have caused closures, damage, and disruptions across parts of the province in recent days and gusty conditions have led to several wildfires breaking out in the region. Further heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the province April 8, and the South African Weather Service has issued the following severe weather warnings:

• Orange Level 9 (out of 10) disruptive rain warning: Across south-central parts of Western Cape.

• Orange Level 6 disruptive rain warning: Across western parts of Western Cape, including the City of Cape Town.

• Yellow Level 4 strong winds and damaging wave warnings: Across all coastal areas of Western Cape.

Officials are likely to amend forecasts and advisories over the coming hours and days.

Authorities have closed all schools in the Overberg, Cape Winelands, and Helderberg (Somerset) areas April 8 due to the severe weather. Several roads across the province remain closed as of early April 8; a full list of affected roads can be found here. Rail services have also been impacted by the severe weather due to damage to infrastructure on several lines. Power outages have been reported in parts of Cape Town, West Coast, Boland, and Overberg. Multiple wildfires broke out across parts of the province April 6-7 due to strong winds, with Cape Winelands District the worst-affected area; however, heavy rainfall overnight April 7-8 has aided firefighters in containing many of the fires. Around 1,500 residents in Kayamandi have been displaced by a fire that broke out late April 6 and has destroyed hundreds of homes. At least nine homes have been damaged by a fire near Glencairn on the Cape Peninsula; the fire has since been extinguished.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Strong winds could create conditions conducive to wildfire development and growth.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. Utility services could also be suspended or disrupted in areas with strong winds, particularly in elevated or mountainous locations.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the east coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.