Weather warning: NSRI warns of rough seas as cold front makes landfall across Western Cape
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued a warning to the public about being in the proximity of the Western Cape coastline as an intense cold front made landfall on Wednesday.
The NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said they are appealing to the maritime community, shoreline anglers, paddlers, sailors, coastal walkers, and hikers to be cautious during this cold front currently being experienced around the south-western Cape coastline on Wednesday, and spreading to the Southern Cape and East Coast in places.
“The South African Weather Service has issued alerts forecasting high winds, heavy sea conditions, waves of four to six metres, and rough sea conditions are being experienced. We are appealing to the public and the maritime community to follow the South African Weather Services forecasts and to exercise caution during this time,” Lambinon said
He further urged residents to refrain from venturing to the coastline unless absolutely necessary.
“Commercial sea farmers, sailors, and fishermen, wear your life jackets at sea during this time and exercise caution,” Lambinon said.
The specific warnings issued by the weather service include:
- Yellow Level 4 Warning for damaging waves from Wednesday evening
- Yellow Level 2 Warning for damaging winds on Wednesday
- Yellow level 2 Warning for disruptive rainfall on Wednesday until Thursday morning
The City of Cape Town’s spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management, Sonica Lategan, said impacts of any weather-related incidents are being monitored.
“This far, the Disaster Operations Centre has received reports of wind damage in New Culture on Mew Way in Khayelitsha, and an overflowing canal in Vygieskraal. Officials have been activated to conduct on-site assessments. The roads around the city are incredibly wet, and visibility is poor, so we urge motorists to please slow down and drive with their headlights on. Please also be on alert for any obstructions on the roadway, like tree branches and other debris,” Lategan said.
Emergency incidents can be reported to the Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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