Snl24 | Storms: Residents warned to stay home!

Motorists have been warned to avoid unnecessary traveling as the weather is not conducive for driving. Photo by Lulekwa Mbadamane

DISASTER and risk management departments around Western Cape and Eastern Cape are on standby as the province expects disruptive heavy rainfall, excessive lightning, strong winds and hail from Sunday to Monday, 25 September.

The City of Cape Town’s disaster and rescue department has warned residents that the rainfall is expected between 50 and 80mm and could lead to flooding in both formal and informal settlements.

The municipality has also warned motorists against unnecessary travelling as the weather is not conducive for driving.

Among other things, the City of Cape Town said the heavy rainfall may lead to mudslides and rock falls.

“Strong winds can also be expected to uproot trees, carry outside objects, furniture and loose gutters and roof tiles and cause damage to garage doors, sliding doors and windows. 

“The public is urged to secure and fix these objects and cover doors and windows. It is also strongly advised to avoid travelling if possible, at all.  If not, please ensure defensive driving at all cost,” said Charlotte Powell, the city’s disaster management department spokeswoman. 

The city said people must expect flooding on roads and settlements (formal and informal), widespread damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.

Powell said motorists may encounter major travel disruptions, including route obstructions and incidents, increased motor vehicle accidents among other challenges. Regarding services, the city warned residents to expect possible disruption of municipal and other essential services such as electricity and water. 

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“All relevant departments are on high alert to deal with any impacts brought on by the forecast.

“We ask that the public please to be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles,” Powell said. 

The George Municipality also said they were on high alert.

“George Municipality is prepared with a contingency plan consisting of integrated services to respond to predicted disruptive rain, severe thunderstorms and damaging waves.

“The municipality appeals to residents to be alert and cautious,” the municipality said. 

The South African Weather Service said people must expect strong gale-force wind which will be very rough along the coastal areas, particularly along the Western Cape and Eastern Cape coast on Sunday and Monday.

Eskom in Western Cape has confirmed the challenges it is already encountering in Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

“The inclement weather is affecting electricity restoration efforts and will also impact the restoration of any new faults that should occur during this period.

“Customers in areas most affected by the storms could experience long durations without electricity. Eskom urges customers to remain patient and follow the channels made available to log a fault,” Eskom said.