Drakenstein on high alert as severe level 8 storm hits Western Cape

The Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape has urged residents to take urgent precautions as a severe cold front makes landfall. The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 8 warning for the Drakenstein area, the Cape Winelands District, and the City of Cape Town, forecasting up to 300 millimeters of rain and winds reaching 100 kilometres per hour.

This strong cold front arrived in the Western Cape on Sunday morning, with another system expected to follow shortly. The current weather follows a week of heavy rains reported in the Garden Route and the Central Karoo, which forced large-scale evacuations in areas devastated by flooding. On Saturday, the SA Weather Service upgraded the alert to an orange level 8 warning for disruptive rains as the first of two cold fronts approached.

The storm is expected to bring damaging winds, rough seas, and possible storm surges along the coast. In response, the Drakenstein Municipality has advised residents to prepare for possible power outages and to charge essential devices in advance. Officials have also urged residents to avoid flooded areas and to report any emergencies to the toll-free number: 080 131 3553.