CITY OF CAPE TOWN 18 SEPTEMBER 2013 MEDIA RELEASE City upgrades disaster preparedness level for possible snowfall anticipated in Cape Town Freezing conditions are expected on Friday morning, with predictions of -3°C up to 5 000 feet and possible snowfalls on Table Mountain. Read more below: The South African Weather Service has upgraded its previous weather watches to warnings of heavy rainfall and disruptive snowfalls as indicated below: • Heavy rainfall is likely over the Cape Metro, Overberg, southern parts of the Cape Winelands, and the West Coast Districts on Thursday evening and Friday. • Localised flooding is possible in areas in the Cape Metro, Overberg, southern parts of the Cape Winelands, and the West Coast Districts on Thursday evening and Friday. • Snowfalls are expected on the western highground of the Western Cape and the south-western highground of the Northern Cape on Thursday spreading to the south-eastern parts of the Western Cape on Friday. • High fire danger is expected for the Central Karoo and Little Karoo tomorrow (Thursday). The City has accordingly upgraded the preparedness level of its Disaster Response teams in advance of the heavy rainfall predicted and the likelihood of localised urban flooding in Cape Town, effective today. The intense cold front is expected to affect the Western Cape and the Northern Cape provinces from today until Saturday. Members of the public and small stock farmers are advised that very cold conditions, snowfalls on the highground, strong interior winds, rough seas and heavy rainfall in places could lead to localised flooding. Heavy rainfalls are anticipated to start from 02:00 on Thursday until 02:00 on Friday in the Cape Peninsula, according to the latest forecast provided by the South African Weather Service. The South African Weather Services indicated freezing levels for Friday morning at -3°C from 3 000 until 5 000 feet which will occur on Table Mountain and spreading to the other parts of the Western Cape. The City appeals to residents to exercise caution during this period – especially on roadways. Motorists should maintain a safe following distance, reduce speed and ensure that motor vehicles are roadworthy as roads may be flooded. Those travelling in mountainous areas across the Western Cape are advised to expect delays and possible deviations as mountain passes may be closed to traffic. There is also an increased risk of potential landslides, mudslides and rockfalls in mountainous areas as a result of the forecasted intense rainfall. Residents residing in these areas are requested to ensure that they have adequate insurance cover to ensure that emergency repairs can be undertaken. Members of the public should not hike along the mountainous areas as they may find themselves in distress. The disaster response teams and engineering crews are currently inspecting various low-lying and floodplain areas to ensure that, where possible, preventative work is undertaken to mitigate against flood and storm damage due to the already saturated ground surface and above normal river levels in vulnerable areas. Useful contact numbers: • Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions: Call 0860 103 089 or SMS to 31373. • Electricity outages/disruptions: Call 0860 103 089 or SMS to 31220. • Road Closures: Call the City’s Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 regarding delays on roadways and deviations. • Weather Reports: listen to alerts on the radio and television; visit weathersa.co.za ; or call the Cape Town Weather Office on Tel: 021 934 0749/0831 or the weatherline on 083 123 0500. • Emergencies: Call 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. The sooner you phone, the sooner help will arrive. The City’s disaster response teams are in close contact with the South African Weather Service in order to keep a watchful eye on the inclement weather conditions. For further information regarding storms, gale-force winds, snowfall, landslides, mudslides and rockfalls as well as precautionary measures to prevent damage, please visit the Disaster Risk Management Centre’s website: capetown.gov.za/disaster
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 11:21:09 +0000
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