Two cold fronts are moving across the Cape this weekend – while no severe warnings accompany the forecast, it presents an opportunity to residents to do some pre-winter assessments and mitigate the risk of potential impacts when the seasons truly change.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), there is a chance of light to moderate showers until Sunday.
Wind speeds are expected to pick up towards the latter part of the weekend, with a yellow level-2 warning for wind and wave damage from late on Saturday until Monday, 20 April.
‘Should the predicted showers and wind be significant enough, they could help residents identify any potential leaks on their properties, loose roof tiles or sheets and any other weather-related risks that could pose a challenge once winter truly sets in. So we urge the public to do checks around the home this weekend and make a list of anything that needs attention. More preparation means improved mitigation of major impacts during severe weather spells, which in turn relieves the pressure on emergency, enforcement and other service departments,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre coordinates Cape Town’s planning and response to any adverse weather-related impacts.
Public education and awareness is a critical element.
‘We are ramping up our Flood-wise campaign, including community based risk assessments, going door-to-door to assist communities with tips on how they can safeguard themselves and their families, and of course also ensuring that City departments are pulling together through our Winter Readiness Task Team, which meets every two weeks and will switch to weekly meetings from May,’ said Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell.
To report any emergency incident, call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
