The South African Weather Services has upgraded their weather warning to Orange level 9 for disruptive rain in Kou-Kamma and Baviaans in the Dr Beyers Naude which is expected to continue until September 25 at 22:00.
According to the SAWS, a cut-off low will reach the Karoo on September 24, and move to the Port Alfred coast on September 25.
“A high-pressure ridge, positioned south of the country, will cause massive cloud buildup along the eastern and southern flanks of the cut-off low, leading to significant falls of rain over Kou-Kamma and the southern parts of Dr Beyers Naude LM (Willowmore).”
The flooding is likely to have one or more of the of the following impacts:
-
Widespread flooding of roads and settlements
-
Dangerous fast flowing streams and deep water
-
Communities not accessible/cut-off for a prolonged period
-
Widespread damage to property
-
Buildings and loss of livelihoods and livestock
-
Widespread and/ or prolonged disruption to essential services
-
Widespread mudslides and soil erosion
-
Potential breakage of dam
-
Widespread damage to mud-based dwellings
-
Damage to crops
The SAWS is advising people to listen for regular weather updates via radio and/or social media, postpone travel arrangements until it is safer to travel, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams, monitor the weather conditions and if need be, identify areas to safely store valuable items from flood water.
