Warning for severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Cape

EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Sunday issued an Orange Level 6 warning for severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Cape.

“A cut-off low over the country is expected to result in thundershowers over the Eastern Cape.

"There is a likelihood that the expected storm may be severe and result in heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and intense lightning over Amathole, OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo District Municipality, and Buffalo City Metro,” said the weather service.

The flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure, property and vehicles are among the impacts to be expected of the weather.

“Short-term disruptions to electricity supply can also be expected,” said the SAWS. The alert is in place for Sunday, 8 February.

Western Cape

Meanwhile, the weather service on Saturday issued a Yellow Level 4 weather warning for the Cape Winelands and Overberg areas in the Western Cape.

“Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop over the Overberg and Cape Winelands on Monday from early in the morning. Some of these may become severe, leading to flooding and large amounts of small hail. Rainfall accumulations between 40-70mm are possible. There are indications of more than 100mm in places in the Overberg; however, the uncertainty regarding amounts and placement remains high,” it said.

The impact of the weather could lead to the flooding of roads and susceptible settlements, as well as danger to life when crossing of fast flowing stream.

“Large amounts of small hail/large hail can cause damage to vehicles and difficult driving conditions, especially where heavy downpours are present,” said the SAWS.

It further added that it will continue to give updates.

The weather warnings come as KwaZulu-Natal disaster management teams are on high alert for adverse weather conditions.

“The province faces a dual threat, with a Level 5 Severe Thunderstorm Warning for western and southern regions and a Level 2 Warning for the remainder of the province,” the provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said in a statement.

The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in KwaZulu-Natal, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has directed that emergency response units prioritise and monitor several districts in the province. -SAnews.gov.za

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