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Severe Weather Alert

22 January 2021 Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua

The South African Weather Service has issued the following Impact Based Severe Weather Forecast:

HAZARD: Veld Fire Conditions

Alert Level: Red(L10)

Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Breede Valley, Cederberg, Hantam, Kamiesberg, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Matzikama, Nama Khoi, Prince Albert and Witzenberg.

Valid From (SAST): 22/01/2021 – 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 23/01/2021 – 18h00

Discussion: Weather conditions which include hot temperatures, fresh to strong winds and low humidity might result in the development of runaway and veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full standby. At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.

Report any severe weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.  It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

21 January 2021 Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua

The South African Weather Service has issued the following Impact Based Severe Weather Forecast:

HAZARD: Veld Fire Conditions

Alert Level: Red(L10)

Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Breede Valley, Cederberg, Drakenstein, Hantam, Kamiesberg, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Laingsburg, Matzikama, Nama Khoi, Prince Albert, Swartland and Witzenberg.

Valid From (SAST): 21/01/2021 – 08h00

Valid To (SAST): 22/01/2021 – 20h00

Discussion: Weather conditions which include hot temperatures, fresh to strong winds and low humidity might result in the development of runaway and veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full standby. At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.

Report any severe weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.  It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

27 October 2020 Weather Alert: Warning (colour coded red), indicating “take action” – 27 October 2020

Weather Alert: Warning (colour coded red), indicating “take action”

Warning (colour-coded red), indicating “take action”

What to do when veldfire condition is forecast

Prohibitions of fires in the open air during periods of high fire hazard, and the establishment of fire control committees.

To control fires, an alarm system, fire fighting teams, and beaters must be organized in advance and plans prepared.

What to do during Veldfire:

Livestock should be moved out of grazing land to unbarred land/ploughed field for safety.

Water is generally not available in sufficient quantities or at adequate pressure for the control of major fires; however, sand or other loose mineral soil material can be an effective method of control.

Following are a number of concerns and recommendations:

Provinces should always ensure that the firebreaks are in place. An owner of the land who is obliged to prepare and maintain a firebreak must ensure that, with due regard to the weather, climate, terrain and vegetation of the area, the following is taken care of in terms of installing the firebreaks (chapter 4 of National Veld and Forest Fire Act No. 101 of 1998):

  1. A firebreak has to be wide enough and long enough to have a reasonable chance of preventing a veld fire from spreading to or from neighboring land.
  2. A firebreak does not cause soil erosion and
  3. A firebreak is reasonably free of inflammable material capable of carrying a veld fire across it.
  4. Farming communities should establish fire protection associations to prevent and control veld fires as required by the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act No. 101 of 1998).

The Fire Brigade Services Act provides for the establishment, co-ordination and standardizations of fire brigade services. Local authorities, that is, municipalities, are empowered to establish and maintain a fire brigade service, intended to be employed for the following purposes:

  1. a)     Preventing the outbreak or spread of a fire
  2. b)     Fighting or extinguishing a fire
  3. c)    The protection of life or property against a fire or other threatening danger.
  4. d)     The rescue of life or property from a fire or other danger

Improved communication among members about, for example, fire hazard conditions. The outcome sought is to achieve better integration of community preparedness, prevention, suppression and recovery strategies as key elements of veld fire management.

Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.

27 October Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua

The South African Weather Service has issued the following Impact Based Severe Weather Forecast:

HAZARD: Veld Fire Conditions

Alert Level: Red(L10)

Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Hantam, Kannaland, Khâi-Ma, Laingsburg, Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert.

Valid From (SAST): 27/10/20 – 12h00

Valid To (SAST): 28/10/20 – 18h00

Discussion: Weather conditions which include hot temperatures, moderate to fresh winds and low humidity might result in the development of veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full standby. At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.

Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.

7 October 2020 Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua

Severe Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua

The South African Weather Service has issued the following Impact Based Severe Weather Forecast:

HAZARD: DISRUPTIVE RAIN

Alert Level: Yellow (L2)

Affected Municipalities: Bitou, George, Knysna and Mossel Bay.

Valid From (SAST): 09/10/20 00h00

Valid To (SAST): 09/10/20 00h00

Discussion: Rain is expected along the south coast and adjacent interior from Thursday into Saturday (08-10/10/2020) with rainfall accumulations of 5 to 15mm reaching 20 to 40mm over the eastern parts of the south coast. Due to recent rain in the area and more rain forecasted for Thursday into Saturday morning, there is a possibility of localised flooding to susceptible areas between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Friday.

Impact: Localised flooding of susceptible informal settlements.  Minor motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads and reduced visibility increasing travelling times.  Minor motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads and reduced visibility increasing travelling times.

Instruction: If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended before access is cut off by floodwater. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.

23 September 2020 Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 25 September 2020

Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 25 September 2020

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following weather alert:

Hazard : Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Advisory

Valid From (SAST): 25/09/20 – 00h00

Valid To (SAST): 25/09/20 – 00h00

A strong north westerly to westerly winds (50 to 60km/h) are expected over the Central and Little Karoo District (Western Cape) on Friday (25/09/20200) late morning until early evening.

Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case, sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.

12 September 2020 Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert, Veld Fire Conditions – 12 September 2020

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert, Veld Fire Conditions – 12 September 2020

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alert:

Hazard: Veld Fire Conditions

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/09/20 – 09h00

Valid To (SAST): 12/09/20 – 19h00

Are expected over the Central Karoo and Little Karoo Municipalities (Western Cape) tomorrow (12/09/2020).

Hazard: Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/09/20 – 11h00

Valid To (SAST): 13/09/20 – 00h00

Warning:  A Gale force north westerly wind (62 to 74 km/h) is expected over the Beaufort-West Municipality (WC) from tomorrow late morning, moderating by evening (12/09/2020).

Advisory:  Strong north-westerly winds (50-60 km/h) are expected over the Central and Little Karoo (WC) tomorrow afternoon (12/09/2020), including the interior of the Western Cape on Sunday (13/09/2020).

Description:  Strong damaging winds
Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.

Precautions:  Strong damaging winds
Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden crosswinds if travelling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.
Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case, sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Report any severe weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alerts – High Seas, Heavy Rain & Flooding and Snow – 18 AUgust 2020

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alerts – High Seas, Heavy Rain & Flooding and Snow – 18 AUgust 2020

The Cape Town Weather office has issued the following severe weather alerts:

Hazard 1: High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 23h00

High seas with wave heights between 6-7m are expected between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay today (18/08/2020).

Hazard 2: Heavy rain

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 15h00

Heavy rain is expected over the eastern parts of the Garden Route district (W-Cape) today (18/08/2020).

Hazard 3: Flooding

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 15h00

Flooding is expected over the eastern parts of the Garden Route district (W-Cape) today (18/08/2020).

Descriptions: Snow

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

Precautions: Snow

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: Flooding / Heavy Rain

Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged period of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.

Precautions: Flooding / Heavy Rain

If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: Storm surges

Generally storm surges are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storms and/or tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

Precautions: Storm surges

All recreational beach activities should be suspended. People with beach side properties should be aware of the possibility of being flooded by a rise in sea level and wave surges that could cause damage to their property.

If possible relocate valuable assets to higher ground and be vigilant especially during high tide. If the surge is associated with a Spring High Tide then significant inundation is possible and one should be aware of the times of occurrence of the High tide.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: Storm surges / High Seas

Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.

Precautions: Storm surges / High Seas

Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.

Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.

Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.

Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.

If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

17 August 2020 Weather Alert: Western Cape Weather Alert – Snow, High Seas, Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain – 17 August 2020

Weather Alert: Western Cape Weather Alert – Snow, High Seas, Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain – 17 August 2020

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following weather alert.

Hazard: Snow
Alert level: Watch
Valid from (SAST): 17/08/20 – 23h00
Valid to (SAST): 18/08/20 – 00h00

Disruptive snowfalls are expected over the high lying areas of Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Garden Route Districts overnight tomorrow (17/08/2020) into Tuesday morning.

Hazard: High Seas
Alert level: Watch
Valid from (SAST): 17/08/20 – 20h00
Valid to (SAST): 18/08/20 – 00h00

High seas with wave heights between 6-9m are expected between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas tomorrow (17/08/2020) evening, spreading to Plettenberg Bay and Cape Columbine from early Tuesday morning, subsiding west of Cape Agulhas from Tuesday afternoon.

Hazard: Heavy rain
Alert level: Watch
Valid from (SAST): 18/08/20 – 00h00
Valid to (SAST): 18/08/20 – 00h00

Expected in places along the Garden Route coastal areas early Tuesday (18/08/2020) morning.

Hazard: Damaging Winds
Alert level: Warning
Valid from (SAST): 17/08/20 – 11h00
Valid to (SAST): 18/08/20 – 00h00

Warning: A gale force (62-80km/h) W/NW wind is expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from late tomorrow (17/08/2020) morning, becoming SW and spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the evening, easing from Tuesday morning. Advisory: Strong winds (50-62km/h are expected over Cape Metropole and Overberg areas tomorrow afternoon into Tuesday morning.

12 August 2020 Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 12 August 2020

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 12 August 2020

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following weather alert.

Hazard: Damaging Winds
Alert level: Warning
Valid from (SAST): 12/08/20 – 12h00
Valid to (SAST): 13/08/20 – 09h00

Gale force W to NW’ly winds of 62 to 74km/h is expected between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas tomorrow (12/08/2020) afternoon, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the evening.