Cape Town – Flooding is expected as a cold front hits the Mother City, the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management has warned.
Heavy rainfall was expected in places over the Cape Metropole, Overberg and southern parts of the Cape Winelands in the afternoon, Traveller24 reported on Wednesday.
More rain was expected on Thursday in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, while snowfall was expected in the Western Cape.
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell told News24 the unit would be on high alert until Saturday, when the front was expected to pass.
“Those living in informal settlements are encouraged to report blocked drains and disruptions, while those in brick houses should check for blockages in the drainage on their properties and clear their gutters,” Powell said.
Spring tide warning
In the event of flooding, emergency shelter for shack dwellers would be activated should it be required, she added. People could phone 0860 103 089 to report incidents.
The National Sea Rescue Institute has also urged extreme caution around the coastline of the country as storm conditions, strong gale force winds, rough seas, heavy sea swells and big surf conditions – coupled with the full moon spring tide – cause dangerous conditions over the next five to six days.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the full moon spring tide would peak on Wednesday.
“Spring tide happens twice every month of the year, at full moon and at new moon, bringing higher than normal high tides, lower than normal low tides, and stronger than normal rip currents,” he said.
Boaters, paddlers, bathers, sailors and anglers are urged to be cautious around the coast during the storm conditions.
“We urge sea users to watch weather warnings, have the sea rescue emergency phone number 112 programmed into [their] phones and only go to sea if it is absolutely necessary.
“Anglers fishing along the shoreline, hikers hiking along coastal hiking routes, beach strollers, paddlers and boaters should be vigilant of the tides, breaking surf along the shoreline, higher than normal high tides, lower than normal low tides, stronger than normal rip currents and rough sea conditions.”
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/flooding-high-seas-expected-as-cold-front-hits-cape-town-20160720