SAWS issues warning for strong winds in WC, heavy rain in other parts of SA
Gale-force winds are anticipated in the Cape provinces, with speeds reaching up to 65 kilometres per hour, while Gauteng, North West, Free State, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal can expect gusts around 50 kilometres per hour.
Picture: Warongdech Thaiwatcharamas/ 123rf.com
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said the country must prepare for a significant spring storm that promises strong winds, heavy rainfall, and an unexpected drop in temperatures.
On Sunday, the storm made landfall in the western parts of the country, moving eastward, and set to exit by Tuesday.
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Gale-force winds are anticipated in the Cape provinces, with speeds reaching up to 65 kilometres per hour, while Gauteng, North West, Free State, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal can expect gusts around 50 kilometres per hour.
Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said these conditions posed risks to both formal and informal settlements, with major transport routes such as the N1 and N3 highways potentially impacted.
"Into the evening, just a chance of isolated showers and thundershowers and in our warning, we expect strong winds to still dominate over the central parts spreading to the south-western interior, with an orange level 5 warning for damaging winds over the central and northern parts of the Western Cape province."
Residents are urged to prepare for possible disruptions, including challenging driving conditions and localised flooding.