A potent frontal depression situated just south of South Africa is currently generating very strong winds, impacting several areas of the Western Cape. This weather system is set to spread windy conditions across large portions of the country throughout the day.
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According to the latest wind gust map, significant wind gusts are expected to occur at around 2pm today. While the most severe gusts—hurricane-force winds exceeding 118 km/h—will remain south of the country, large parts of South Africa will experience notably strong winds. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and prioritise safety.
Wind gusts are brief but intense surges in wind speed, typically lasting less than 20 seconds. Despite their short duration, these gusts can cause considerable damage. High winds and gusts are capable of toppling trees, power lines, and communication towers, as well as overturning high-sided vehicles like trucks and double-decker buses.
They may also cause structural damage, particularly in informal settlements and temporary shelters.
The Beaufort Wind Force Scale, traditionally used for sustained wind observations, is also applied to wind gusts. Although wind gusts are shorter in duration than sustained winds, they can still produce damage comparable to that caused by sustained winds at the same force level. For example, a brief ‘Storm Force’ wind gust can uproot trees and inflict significant structural damage.
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Picture: Evgeny Smirnov / Unsplash
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