The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms expected over the West Coast and surrounding areas on Wednesday, 23 September.
The warning applies throughout Wednesday and covers the Saldanha Bay municipal area and the southern parts of the West Coast District, as well as Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Overberg.
According to SAWS, a low-pressure system will develop over the western part of the country, triggering severe thunderstorms across the Western Cape.
What to expect
Residents should prepare for significant amounts of small hail, excessive lightning, and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 55 km/h.
The storms could have the following impacts:
- Localised power outages.
- Potential injuries to people and livestock.
- Property damage.
- Fire incidents, including structural and veld fires.
Staying safe
The Weather Service urges residents to take the following precautions:
- Stay indoors if possible, away from metal objects.
- Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects.
- Avoid outdoor activities such as golf or fishing, as golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity.
- Go indoors immediately as soon as thunder begins.
For more information, visit weathersa.co.za.
