Wet, Cold Weather To Persist In Western Cape

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Department said on Monday that citizens can expect cold and wet weather throughout the week, adding that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) is monitoring the situation.

"A series of cold fronts are still on track to make landfall, resulting in a week of wet and cold conditions. [Monday] will see the coldest daytime temperatures, and the next cold front with rain is expected to arrive on Tuesday," the department said, SA News reported.

The department also mentioned that 10 to 20mm of rain is expected in the western areas, and 40 to 60mm in the southern western mountains. The South African Weather Service has forecast strong to gale-force winds for the southwest coast and warned of a high risk of wildfires in the Garden Route District.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is also keeping an eye on river and dam levels, which are expected to rise significantly.

Eskom, on the other hand, reported several power outages in the past 48 hours due to severe weather, with Cape Town, the West Coast, and Overberg regions being the most affected. Repair teams are working to fix the issues as quickly as possible.

Anton Bredell, Western Cape's Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said that since the first cold front hit over the weekend, the PDMC has received reports of damage and disruptions in several areas.

During a meeting on Monday, they reported widespread issues including loss of shelter in informal settlements, local flooding, fallen trees, power outages and road closures due to snow or flooding.

"The City of Cape Town, Overberg, Cape Winelands and West Coast Districts were hardest hit by the severe weather. As always, our focus remains on the safety of our residents and the humanitarian support that they need," Bredell said.

Several towns in the Western Cape have already recorded significant rainfall - including Ceres with 123mm and Elgin Grabouw with 84mm. The provincial government is working with the national Department of Human Settlements to help those who have lost their homes due to flooding.

"Wuppertal and other communities in the Cederberg area will be reached by specialized 4x4 teams once a needs assessment has been conducted, and we will be ready for similar requests as the week unfolds," Bredell added.