GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO | HESSEQUA NEWS - The South African Weather Service has issued the following weather warnings for the period, Monday 12 - Tuesday 13 July:
Level 4 for disruptive snow:
Snow is expected over the mountainous areas in the Cederberg, Witzenberg, Breede Valley, Hantam and Karoo Hoogland municipalities from Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning, spreading to eastern Garden Route on Monday evening.
Forecasts indicate a spread of 05 - 10cm with some parts receiving 15cm of snow over the mountains of the Cape Winelands and the West Coast District (Cederberg mountain range), as well as the southern high ground in the Hantam and Karoo Hoogland municipalities (Northern Cape) from Monday afternoon.
The snowfall is expected to spread to Garden Route mountain ranges during Monday evening, persisting into Tuesday afternoon with significant impacts expected in the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountains.
Impacts:
Large accumulations of snow in high-lying areas may result in icy and difficult driving conditions. Farmers with small stock and crops in high-lying areas should be advised that their stock and crops could be vulnerable in the cold, snowy and windy conditions. High-lying mountain passes could receive snowfalls which may result in the closure of some passes overnight on Monday into Tuesday morning.
Small stock farmers are advised to shelter animals. Dress warmly and avoid outdoor activities. Be aware of possible closed roads, icy road conditions and increase your following distances. Make contact with your closest disaster manager or community leader and keep listening to the radio for updates.
Level 2 for damaging winds and waves:
Resulting in localised problems for high-sided vehicles is expected over the southern interior of the Northern Cape and eastern interior of Western Cape, as well as difficulty in navigation at sea between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay on Monday through to Tuesday morning.
Northwesterly winds associated with the cold front, will reach average speeds of 55-60km/h gusting up to 65-70km/h over the Namakwa District and the Western Cape eastern interior from mid-morning through into the early Tuesday morning. Over the offshore areas between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, these winds are expected from Monday morning, becoming west to southwesterly and spreading to Plettenberg Bay in the afternoon, persisting into Tuesday afternoon.
Impacts:
Localised damage to formal and informal settlements is possible. Fallen trees may affect properties and road travel. High sided vehicles may be at risk of falling over as result of strong crosswinds (particularly on the N1, N2, N7, R321, R43). Strong north-westerly winds over the eastern parts of the province may fuel runaway fires.
Offshore: difficulty in navigation for small vessels and personal water craft can be expected. Disruption of beachfront activities is possible.
Be aware of the following:
Sudden cross winds if traveling, especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored. Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
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