Mother Nature has been throwing quite the tantrum in the Western Cape, leaving the province grappling with the aftermath of a fierce storm that swept through the region over the weekend.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued multiple weather warnings, including a Level 4 warning for strong winds issued for the entire province, effective from Saturday through Tuesday.
According to SAWS forecasts, an intense low-pressure system, known as a cut-off low, was responsible for the widespread showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds experienced across the Western Cape.
Power Outages
Since the storm’s initial touchdown on Saturday, numerous towns have reported power outages. Following a briefing by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde expressed his distress about the situation, stating, “I am deeply concerned by the impact that the wind has had on electricity infrastructure.”
Fire Risks
The relentless winds accompanying the storm have exacerbated the fire risk across the Western Cape, leading to several blazes erupting in different areas. At least nine properties were destroyed or damaged in the Sunny Cove area in Fish Hoek, as well as the historic 300-year-old Manor House at Blaauwklippen Vineyards outside Stellenbosch.
School Closures
Twenty-six schools in the Western Cape have reported weather-related damage, as a result of the storm, prompting the closure of schools across the region on 8 and 9 April. Premier Winde emphasised the importance of safety, stating, “We want our children learning and at school, but in light of the level of the warnings, we felt it is better to be safe than sorry.”
Restoration Efforts
Despite the devastation, efforts to restore normalcy are underway. Western Cape tree emergency teams are actively working to clear obstructions caused by uprooted trees across various areas, according to Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral committee member for community services and health for the City of Cape Town.
The City of Cape Town stated it received 108 calls over the weekend regarding tree incidents, exceeding the total number of incidents attended to during the three-month period of winter in 2023.
