Cape of Storms welcomes autumn with cold front, damaging winds, localised flooding

Damaging winds and long periods of steady rainfall are among the potential hazardous weather conditions that have been predicted over the south-western areas of the Western Cape this week. 

 According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS),  these conditions are expected following the passage of a cold front on Tuesday evening with another, but slow-moving cold front to arrive over these areas on Wednesday late afternoon.

"The wind forecast is such that, sustained speed of 45 to 60 km/h (25-30 knots) over the interior and up to 80 km/h (40 knots) along the coast can be expected," said the SAWS in a statement. 

"These winds are likely to result in structural damage over the exposed and vulnerable areas such as shacks and poorly anchored houses," they warned. 

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The SAWS said light to moderate rainfall was anticipated, spreading to the West Coast District and coastal areas of the Garden Route District on Wednesday as the front progresses eastwards.

"Following the approach of the secondary cold front, a prolonged period of steady rainfall with projected accumulating rainfall amounts of 40 to 50 mm is expected over the southwestern parts during Wednesday," they said. 

"To this effect, localised flooding and pooling will be likely in these areas."

The central and eastern provinces will see no rain apart from the western Limpopo, where a few afternoon thunderstorms are expected, the noted. 

"Clearance is expected over the Western Cape from Thursday afternoon, with few showers along the south coast lingering into the evening."