Strong winds and heavy rainfall expected

South Africa - Cape Town - 21 June 2019 - A women walks in the rain with a large umbrella near Kraaifontein as a cold fron moves in over Cape Town. The City of Cape Town on Friday said it was on standby following a warning of heavy rain issued by the South African Weather Service. According to SA Weather Service, heavy rain leading to localised flooding was expected from Friday evening into Saturday morning. They also said strong westerly to north-westerly winds (40-60 km/h) can be expected from the morning onwards over the entire Western Cape ahead of the arrival of the cold front. Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is on high alert following a warning of strong winds and heavy rainfall over Cape Town and surrounds, setting in today until Wednesday July 24.

Two cold fronts are approaching the metropole, according to the South African Weather Service.

Up to 50mm of rain is predicted, but more rain is expected in high-lying areas like Hout Bay and Kirstenbosch.

The weather service has also warned of possible mudslides.

Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, said: “Wind speeds of between 65 and 75 kilometres are expected, particularly tomorrow.”

They have urged residents to ensure that there are no loose items laying around their properties that could cause any damage. 

Very rough seas are also expected.

“Members of the public are urged to stay away from areas like the Atlantic Seaboard and False Bay beachfront during this period,” said Ms Powell.

In case of an emergency, residents can contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.