“The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has been alerted by the South African Weather Service that adverse weather conditions is expected across large parts of the Western Cape from Tuesday evening continuing into Thursday,” the department said in a statement.
“Members of the public are advised that heavy rain can be expected particularly in the Peninsula. In addition extensive gale force winds, very high seas and cold weather conditions including snow on the high-lying areas can be expected.”
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said while rainfall was welcome in the drought-stricken province, the weather conditions could cause some localised flooding in Cape Town and other areas of the Western Cape.
“Some of the other associated risks during bad weather like this also includes mudslides and informal settlement fires,” said Bredell.
“In the Central Karoo region we had a fatality a short while ago following heavy rains in the area. We want to advise the public to use extreme caution when traveling in the Western Cape or if exposed to the weather over the next few days.”
Disaster management teams in the provinces and municipalities would be on 24 hour standby, said Bredell.
He urged people experiencing emergencies to contact their local disaster management centres immediately.
“The easiest number to remember to call in an emergency is 112. This number can be dialled toll-free from any cell phone.”