Damaging winds and Veld fire warning

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 3 warning for Damaging Winds, valid until Monday, 5 September at 23:00, and Veld Fire Conditions valid to 5 September, 18:00.

The combination of strong to gale force winds, 65-75 km/h, gusting 75-85 km/h, north-westerly to westerly winds and west to south-westerly swells of 4.0 to 5.0m, is expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Sunday morning, 4 September until Monday, 5 September.

The winds are expected to affect the City of Cape Town and Overstrand municipalities as well. Wave heights are expected to reach 5.5 to 6.0m south of Saldanha Bay on Monday. These conditions will contribute to rough and choppy sea conditions.

Veld fire conditions are expected over the interior of the Namakwa, Central and Little Karoo from
Sunday, 4 September, and the remainder over Beaufort West and Prince Albert municipalities
on Monday, 5 September.

This is due to warm to hot temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds that could result in the development of runaway and veld- or bushfires.

Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on standby. The first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.