By Charmaine Ndlela
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has said that an intense cut-off low-pressure system is bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold temperatures, light snow and rough sea conditions to parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The worst disruptive rainfall is expected in parts of the Western and Eastern Cape, where authorities have placed disaster management teams on high alert and urged residents, businesses, farmers and motorists to take precautions.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said residents should prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures, with light snowfall expected over the Drakensberg mountain range on Thursday.
Provincial Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, called on residents, motorists and farmers to remain vigilant as the severe weather system moves across parts of the country.
“Our Provincial Disaster Management Centre has activated the necessary response protocols and placed municipal disaster teams on high alert. Emergency crews are monitoring high-risk areas closely and are ready to step in should the weather take an unexpected turn for the worse,” the department said.
Cogta said that, according to SAWS assessments, the expected snow was not anticipated to cause disruptions or closures over the Van Reenen’s Pass region of the N3 highway.
It said the N3 corridor, one of the province’s key economic routes, remained open and safe for travel. However, motorists and truck drivers were urged to keep a safe following distance, switch on their headlights and drive with extra care in wet and cold conditions.
Farmers in high-lying areas and districts close to the Drakensberg were advised to move livestock and pets to adequate shelter and warmth, while hikers and tourists were urged to postpone trips into the mountains because of rapidly changing conditions.
The department also urged the public not to share unverified weather warnings or voice notes on social media, warning that fake alerts could cause unnecessary panic.
In the Western Cape, the SAWS issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall in parts of the Garden Route, with further warnings in place for the Central Karoo and other areas.
Provincial authorities said municipalities including Bitou, Knysna and George could receive accumulated rainfall of up to 200mm over the two-day period, while Beaufort West was forecast to receive between 60mm and 80mm.
The Western Cape Education Department announced that public schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday as a precaution. Schools in the affected district are expected to reopen on Friday, while public schools in the province’s remaining seven education districts will continue operating as normal.
The severe weather warning comes just weeks after storms and flooding in the Western Cape claimed 11 lives and affected about 150,000 people across parts of the province, including the Garden Route, Little Karoo, Cape Winelands and Cape Metropole.
Authorities have warned that heavy rain on already saturated ground could increase the risk of flooding, rising river levels, dam spillages, road closures and damage to infrastructure.
The weather service has also warned of possible mudslides and rockfalls, particularly along mountain passes, as well as damage to property, agricultural infrastructure, dam walls and livestock.
Very cold, wet and windy conditions are also expected over the central and eastern interior of the Western Cape and southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, where light snowfall has been forecast.
In the Eastern Cape, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality urged residents, businesses and motorists to exercise extreme caution following the SAWS warning.
The municipality said its Disaster Management Centre, emergency services and relevant departments had been placed on high alert and were closely monitoring developments to ensure a coordinated response.
“Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their property,” said Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe.
“Motorists are advised to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary during periods of intense rainfall and should never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, streams or low-water crossings.”
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