The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of strong winds and heavy rain to be expected from today (Thursday 30 March) until Saturday.
Strong winds along the coastal line, the service said, could lead to difficulty navigating at sea “which may lead to small vessels and personal watercraft (such as kayaks) at risk of taking on water and capsizing due to quick, successive steep waves.”
The general weather forecast also predicts up to 80% rainfall on Saturday afternoon and evening over the region.
Strong winds that have been blowing since last night have already wreaked havoc, leading to power disruptions in certain areas. The Theewaterskloof Municipality sent out a notice earlier informing residents of Villiersdorp who have been left without electricity that the electricity supply would be restored as soon as the strong winds subside and repairs to damaged infrastructure can commence.
Strong winds
The power outage, said the municipality, was the result of the main power-booster supply line between Worcester and Villiersdorp being damaged due to strong winds and inclement weather conditions.
“Eskom technicians were made aware of the situation and is dispatching electrical engineers to effect emergency repairs,” the municipality stated. “At this stage the restoration time has not yet been established.
“Eskom has been informed that Site View and Melrose in Grabouw is also without electricity,” reads a statement by the municipality.
The municipality also confirmed that a pole near the Caledon hot springs was damaged due to the strong winds. Technicians were on site to repair the damaged pole.
Eskom confirmed that technical response teams have been deployed and are on-site to conduct investigations and do repairs to damaged infrastructure. The service provider urged customers to report power supply interruptions on the MyEskom customer app or the Alfred Chatbot on the Eskom website. Alternatively, customers can contact the Share Call number at 08600 37566.
Prolonged time without electricity
“The inclement weather can affect electricity restoration time leading to prolonged periods without supply,” the service provider stated. “Eskom wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Motorists are urged to be cautious and alert when driving on the roads in wet and windy conditions. Certain spots along the R45/R321 between Villiersdorp and Grabouw are littered with sand and tree branches that were ripped off as result of strong winds. The bridge at the Franschhoek turnoff was also closed due to a truck that blew over as result of the strong winds.
Motorists should be alert on the road and maintain a safe following distance. Remember to switch on your headlights, reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance.
- The municipality’s toll-free Operations Contact Centre on 080 021 4730.
- 028 312 2400 in case of a fire or flood;
- 028 313 8111 for municipal services emergencies relating to burst water pipes and such;
- NSRI Hermanus on 082 990 5967 or NSRI Kleinmond on 063 699 2765;
- The after-hours Overstrand Control Room on 028 313 8111 or log a service request via Collab Citizen App.
