Authorities in various provinces were on high alert as severe weather, including snowfall and frigid conditions, took hold. (Screenshot/Facebook/JP Smith)
- Authorities are on high alert amid severe weather conditions.
- Snowfall has been reported in parts of the Western Cape.
- Icy conditions are also expected in Johannesburg.
Snowfall has been reported in parts of the Western Cape as cold and wet weather lashes the province.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a series of severe weather warnings for various provinces across the country, effective from Monday.Â
A Level 2 warning for snow primarily affects the central parts of the Western Cape and southern parts of the Northern Cape.
Social media reports have shown snow on mountains in Cape Winelands areas, including the Matroosberg.
Meanwhile, authorities in Cape Town say they are on high alert amid continued rainfall.
“With wet and windy weather conditions set to remain in place for the next few days, the City’s traffic service urges the public to please be alert to localised flooding of roadways,” traffic spokesperson Maxine Bezuidenhout said.
“The City will communicate as far as possible on affected roads, but incidents can occur at any moment and may not necessarily be on our list of reported locations.”
She urged motorists to be cautious and to drive slowly.
READ | Winter’s wrath: Snow, rain, and strong winds as cold fronts lash SA
Johannesburg residents have also been warned to expect icy weather for the rest of the week.
City of Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said:
This extremely cold temperatures will force most of our residents throughout the City of Johannesburg to use heating devices to try and warm themselves in the process, leaving them vulnerable to fire incidents at home.
“City of Joburg EMS remains on high alert, monitoring all seven regions of the City of Johannesburg targeting our most vulnerable communities, our informal settlements, to make sure that we can effectively respond to all emergencies which might occur during these extremely cold temperatures.”
Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, the Cogta department said it remained on high alert following a severe wind warning.
Residents in the districts of Ugu, uMgungundlovu, uThukela, Amajuba, Zululand, King Cetshwayo, and iLembe have been urged to exercise caution and prepare for the inclement weather conditions.
Wind speeds are anticipated to reach up to 70 km/h, with gusts exceeding 80 km/h. Combined with the strong winds, high temperatures are likely to exacerbate the risk of fires.
“The strong winds, coupled with high temperatures, have created ideal conditions for runaway fires. Residents are warned about the dangers posed by these fires and are urged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties,” the department added.
Nicole McCain
www.news24.com
