Weather service warns of rain, wind and possible snow

An intense cut-off low pressure system is expected to bring cold, wet and windy weather to large parts of the country, with possible flooding, strong winds, rough sea conditions and even snow in mountainous areas.

The South African Weather Service (SAWD) warns that the system may affect parts of the country from Monday to Thursday. The system is expected to move across the western parts of the country on Tuesday, initially affecting the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, before spreading eastwards across the central and eastern interior.

According to the weather service, a cutoff low pressure system is a slow-moving or stationary weather system that can cause prolonged severe weather in one area.

Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across the central and western interior on Monday. Scattered thunderstorms are likely over the Free State, Northern Cape, western parts of the North West, parts of the Eastern Cape and the western regions of the Western Cape.

Rainfall is expected to be more widespread along the southwest coast. The SAWD also warns against a high probability of severe thunderstorms over the interior and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape from Monday afternoon. These storms can bring heavy rain, localized flooding, damaging wind, hail and lots of lightning.

Weather outlook for Tuesday 5 May – widespread rain across southern and central parts, with snow over higher ground (Graphics supplied)

The weather service expects that the greatest impact will be felt on Tuesday and Wednesday along parts of the Eastern Cape coast and adjacent inland. The eastern parts of the Western Cape may also be affected by heavy weather from Tuesday afternoon to Thursday.

Widespread rain is expected over the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, which may extend into the Free State. Rainfall of more than 100 mm to 200 mm within 24 hours is possible in places, which could lead to widespread flooding.

The SAWD says damaging wind and very rough sea conditions are also expected, especially along the southern coast of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape coast.

Weather outlook for Wednesday 6 May – continued rain, cold conditions, strong winds and possible snow across parts of the south and inland (Graphics supplied)

According to the SAWD, disruptive rain can lead to widespread flooding of roads and settlements, mudslides, major traffic disruption and damage to roads and bridges. This is especially possible along the coast and adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape, as well as in the eastern parts of the Western Cape.

Damaging coastal and inland winds can cause power outages, damage to temporary structures and problems on transport routes, including from falling trees.

The weather service also warns of damaging coastal waves of more than 5 m to 7 m along the southern coast of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape coast. This can cause damage to infrastructure, disruption at ports and changes to beaches. A storm surge is also possible.

Disruptive snow may occur over the north-eastern higher-lying parts of the Western Cape and northern higher-lying parts of the Eastern Cape. According to the Weather Service, this could lead to the loss of vulnerable livestock and the closure of mountain passes.

Severe thunderstorms are also possible across the Free State and North West, with localized flooding, large amounts of small hail and damage to settlements.

The public is advised to exercise caution when traveling, especially in areas prone to flooding or poor visibility. Motorists should not attempt to drive over flooded roads or through strong currents.

Loose objects outside must be secured due to strong winds, and residents are advised to monitor official SAWD forecasts and warnings.

The weather service says warnings will be updated as the likelihood and severity of the impact becomes clearer. Members of the public are also requested not to disseminate unauthorized or unverified information.