Eastern Cape residents warned to stay off the roads amid strong winds, high waves | News24

The Weather Service has warmed of damaging winds in parts of the Eastern Cape. (Jason Persoff/@Stormdoctor/Getty Images)

• Eastern Cape residents have been warned to expect strong winds and high waves.
• People have been urged to avoid driving if possible.
• The Buffalo City and Mandela Bay metros are expected to be affected.

Eastern Cape motorists have been warned to travel cautiously on the roads after the SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued two warnings – both Level 6 – for winds and waves.

This as an intense cold front makes its way through the province on Wednesday.

Gale force winds, with gusts of between 100km/h and 120km/h, which may cause damage to property and traffic disruptions, are expected.

“Less than ideal driving conditions are expected in most parts of the Eastern Cape today, and road users, motorists in particular, are urged to be extra cautious or avoid being on the road where possible as the SAWS has issued a Level 6 warning – its second highest warning with significant to severe impact which is expected to last for the better part of the day,” transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said.

He said the Buffalo City and Mandela Bay metros were likely to be affected.

“These winds have a potential of toppling over vehicles and cause significant damage to properties and infrastructure,” Binqose said.

READ | More weather woes as light snow is expected in parts of Western and Eastern Cape

A second Level 6 warning was issued for waves of between 6m and 8m along the coast.

This is likely to lead to disruption at harbours and ports, and present a risk to vessels at sea. Coastal infrastructure could also be damaged.

Meanwhile, less severe warnings were issued in other parts of the country.

A Level 3 warning for waves was issued for the Western Cape, bringing with it the likelihood of difficulty in navigation at sea.

Coastal users, such as rock anglers, risk being caught off guard and swept off low-lying rocks.

In addition, a Level 2 warning for damaging winds is in place in southern KwaZulu-Natal.

A cold front is expected to pass over the area and will result in strong westerly to south westerly winds with wind gusts of up to 40 knots in places.

This may result in damage to homes and roads, as well as the spread of wildfires.

The SAWS warned that there could be distributions along some transport routes.