Weather

06
May 2021
13:51 UTC

South Africa Tactical: SAWS releases warning for heavy rains, strong winds, hail storm over Western Cape on May 6; maintain vigilance

Please be advised

  • According to a notice released by the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) on social media, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and very rough sea conditions over parts of the Western Cape will take place on May 6 and over the coming days. 
  • SAWS has warned of significant rainfall in coastal districts, with rainfall reaching up to 45 mm. Strong winds are likely to result in steep waves reaching heights of 4.0-5.5 meters at times. SAWS has reportedly advised against practicing any kind of coastal activities. 
  • Reports indicate that the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has planned several contingencies, including emergency response like providing relief and arranging temporary shelter for the affected communities. They have also urged the residents to stay indoors, and avoid crossing the rivers and swollen streams.
  • Separate reports state that the Cape Town authorities have also reportedly warned the residents to clear out any potential blockages around their homes and ensure that gutters and downpipes are clean.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Western Cape Province on May 6 and over the coming days are advised to maintain vigilance and remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates of the ongoing inclement weather while allotting for disruptions to travel and business continuity.
  2. Remain cognizant of the risks associated with outdoor travel. These include tree collapses onto roads and railway tracks, as well as electrocution caused by open circuits. Further, make provisions for safe drinking water and other essential supplies.
  3. Allot for prospective disruptions to electricity and water supplies given the ongoing inclement weather. 
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Medium
AFFECTED AREA Western Cape, South Africa
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed

Please be advised

  • According to a notice released by the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) on social media, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and very rough sea conditions over parts of the Western Cape will take place on May 6 and over the coming days. 
  • SAWS has warned of significant rainfall in coastal districts, with rainfall reaching up to 45 mm. Strong winds are likely to result in steep waves reaching heights of 4.0-5.5 meters at times. SAWS has reportedly advised against practicing any kind of coastal activities. 
  • Reports indicate that the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has planned several contingencies, including emergency response like providing relief and arranging temporary shelter for the affected communities. They have also urged the residents to stay indoors, and avoid crossing the rivers and swollen streams.
  • Separate reports state that the Cape Town authorities have also reportedly warned the residents to clear out any potential blockages around their homes and ensure that gutters and downpipes are clean.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Western Cape Province on May 6 and over the coming days are advised to maintain vigilance and remain cognizant of local authorities’ updates of the ongoing inclement weather while allotting for disruptions to travel and business continuity.
  2. Remain cognizant of the risks associated with outdoor travel. These include tree collapses onto roads and railway tracks, as well as electrocution caused by open circuits. Further, make provisions for safe drinking water and other essential supplies.
  3. Allot for prospective disruptions to electricity and water supplies given the ongoing inclement weather. 
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Medium
AFFECTED AREA Western Cape, South Africa
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed