Cape Town prepares for severe cold front

By Kim Saulse
18 August 2009

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is closely monitoring a well developed cold front warning issued by the South African Weather Service at the Cape Town International Airport.

The severe weather associated with this weather system has been tied down with the following warnings which have been issued during the course of the past week.

Gale-force winds are expected in places over the Western Cape Province today.

Rough sea conditions with swells in excess of 5 metres are expected to set in this afternoon, spreading from Lamberts Bay to Cape Agulhas.

Heavy falls of rain in excess of 50mm are expected on today.

Very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected to set in over the western parts of the Western Cape Province.

Snowfalls possible on the western high-ground of the Western Cape today and tomorrow.

Members of the public should also avoid going close to piers and promenades on the coastal zones of the Atlantic Seaboard, Sea Point/Mouille Point area, the False Bay coastline and the Strand Gordon’s Bay area.

It is anticipated that the severe weather conditions will settle down by Saturday.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre is co-ordinating with the relevant role-players ensuring effective recovery and emergency services.