Severe Orange Level 8 warning issued for Western Cape

Torrential rain is expected to batter parts of the Western Cape this week as the province continues with mopping up operations after the severe storm last month. The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a severe Level 8 weather warning for parts of the Western Cape as a heavy cut-off low-pressure system makes landfall, bringing torrential rain and flooding risks from Wednesday to Thursday. The weather service said the cut-off low weather system is expected to affect the eastern parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday and Thursday.

It predicted that the two-day rainfall accumulations of 50 to 90mm are expected over the Central Karoo, western parts of the Garden Route districts, and the Swellendam municipality. While 120 to 150mm of rainfall is possible over the eastern Garden Route district, with higher accumulations in the mountainous regions. This severe system follows a series of destructive storms in May that left regional soils saturated and local dams near full capacity.

“Given the vulnerability of these regions following the severe weather system in May, as well as the near-full or overflowing dams, significant impacts are possible. Uncertainty remains with regard to the exact rainfall amounts and distribution,” the weather service said.