By Levy MasitengÂ
Large parts of South Africa are expected to experience cold, wet and windy weather this week as an intense cut-off low-pressure system moves across the country, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Monday.
SAWS said the system would affect the country from Monday to Thursday, bringing rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, rough seas, and possible disruptive snowfall in some areas.
The weather system is expected to begin affecting the western and central parts of the country before spreading eastwards.
On Monday, isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers were expected over parts of the central and western interior, including the Free State, Northern Cape, western parts of North West, parts of the Eastern Cape and the western parts of the Western Cape.
From Tuesday morning, the cut-off low is expected to make landfall over the western parts of South Africa, initially affecting the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape. It is then forecast to move eastwards into the central and eastern interior from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, including parts of the Free State and North West.
Although the system will affect several provinces, SAWS said the most severe conditions were expected over the eastern parts of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape from Tuesday evening until Thursday. Heavy rainfall, strong interior winds, gale-force coastal winds, damaging waves, a possible storm surge and disruptive snow were among the main risks.
Severe thunderstorms are also possible over the interior and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape, where heavy downpours could lead to localised flooding. SAWS said that damaging winds, hail and frequent lightning may accompany the storms.
Rainfall totals could exceed 100mm to 200mm in places, particularly along the Eastern Cape coast and adjacent inland areas, as well as the eastern parts of the Western Cape.
SAWS said that this could result in widespread flooding, flooded roads and settlements, mudslides, major traffic disruption and damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
Coastal communities are also expected to face dangerous conditions, with wave heights forecast to reach between five and seven metres along parts of the south coast of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape coast.
These conditions could damage coastal infrastructure, disrupt small harbours and affect beachfront activities, while a possible storm surge could increase the risk along exposed coastal areas.
Inland, strong winds may make driving difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles, and could cause power interruptions, damage temporary structures and affect transport routes where trees or debris block roads.
Snowfall is also possible over high-lying areas, particularly the north-eastern high ground of the Western Cape and the northern high ground of the Eastern Cape. SAWS warned that snowfall could lead to mountain pass closures and pose a risk to vulnerable livestock.
Members of the public have been urged to exercise caution. Motorists should avoid crossing flooded roads, low-lying bridges and swollen rivers or streams. Residents in affected areas should secure loose outdoor items, monitor official SAWS updates and follow instructions from local disaster management authorities.
A cut-off low is a slow-moving weather system that can produce prolonged and intense weather over affected areas. SAWS said it would continue to monitor the system and issue updated warnings where necessary.
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