Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Onke Ngcuka
Published on 2024-04-08 22:46:23
A cut-off low-pressure system has passed through South Africa, causing heavy rain, strong winds, and infrastructure damage in its path. The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued various warnings for severe weather conditions on Monday.
Parts of South Africa’s central interior received over 50mm of rain, leading to saturated ground that could potentially result in flooding with more rain expected. An Orange Level 9 warning for disruptive rain and flooding was issued for much of the Western Cape, accompanied by a Level 6 warning for the central part of the province. Additionally, warnings were given for strong waves due to high winds, making sea navigation difficult between Saldanha Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
Saws forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela mentioned that a cut-off low weather system was lingering over the southwestern parts of the country, particularly in the Southern Northern Cape province and the Western Cape. Widespread showers and thundershowers were anticipated for the central and southern parts of the country, including the Western Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, North West, parts of KwaZulu-Natal, and the southwestern part of Gauteng.
The forecast suggested extreme weather conditions would persist until Wednesday, especially along the south and east coasts. By Wednesday, improvements were expected in the central and northern parts of the country, with scattered showers along the south to the east coast. Towards the end of the week, a 30% chance of light showers and rain was predicted over the east coast, with lesser rain expected after Wednesday.
Warnings of severe thunderstorms were issued for various regions, including the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, central North West, central Free State, and northwestern Eastern Cape, which could bring heavy rain and potential flooding. Yellow Level 4 warnings were also in place for disruptive rain in the northeastern parts of Gauteng, Free State, and eastern North West, with infrastructural damage, bridge closures, and traffic disruptions expected.
Amidst the weather disturbances, reports surfaced of destruction caused by fires exacerbated by strong winds linked to the cut-off low-pressure system. Houses in Sunny Cove, Fish Hoek, were destroyed on Sunday, while 250 structures were burnt in the Kayamandi informal settlement in Stellenbosch on Saturday night, displacing approximately 1,000 people. The winds also damaged wards at Mediclinic Stellenbosch and resulted in the closure of the Huguenot Tunnel on the N1.
As the country braced for further inclement weather, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and stay informed about developments in their respective regions. The impact of the cut-off low system served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and powerful nature of weather systems, underscoring the importance of preparedness and precautionary measures in the face of such natural phenomena.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
