Weather conditions in the Cape. (Photo: Overstrand Municipality/Facebook)
Severe stormy weather caused widespread damage, flooding and power outages in parts of the Western Cape on Monday, with authorities warning residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution.
According to Geordin Hill-Lewis, mayor of Cape Town, numerous trees and power lines in the Cape Metro have been blown down, while several areas are facing flooding.
“Various city services from parks, energy and stormwater respond systematically to all the incidents. Many problems have already been cleared up,” said Hill-Lewis.
He urged residents to report new dangerous situations to the city’s emergency number and asked for patience and cooperation as crews work through the storm.
Several roads in Cape Town are under water, while uprooted trees are also disrupting traffic. Authorities warned, among other things, about dangerous conditions at the M5 bridge in Wynberg.
A tragic incident took place on Monday morning in Tennant Road in Kenilworth when a tree fell on a vehicle. According to DA councilor Mikhail Manuel, emergency service workers, the police, law enforcement and the city’s parks team quickly arrived at the scene.
Weather conditions in the Cape. (Photo: Overstrand Municipality/Facebook)
“The driver of the vehicle was unhurt, but was taken to hospital for examinations. The passenger, a woman, died in the incident,” says Manuel.
Tennant Road between Oak Avenue and Toleni Road has since been cordoned off by police, while investigators process the scene and city workers remove debris.
“The incident will be fully investigated. Our deepest condolences go to the passenger’s loved ones,” said Manuel.
At Boulders Penguin Colony, the Forest Link walkway is temporarily closed to tourists after trees and branches were blown over by the severe weather. SANParks said teams would be deployed to secure the area.
In the Overstrand area, municipal and disaster management teams are clearing debris and barricades in towns. According to the municipal manager, dr. Dean O’Neill, strong wind blows branches, road signs and roofing material around.
Numerous trees and branches also fell across roads and motorists were advised to reduce speed and be vigilant.
Schools in the Overstrand area remain open for the time being, although several schools in and around Cape Town have been closed due to the stormy weather. Beaumont Primary School in Somerset West is among the schools badly affected by the inclement conditions.
Weather conditions in the Cape. (Photo: Overstrand Municipality/Facebook)
Widespread power outages were also reported in the Overberg. According to the municipality, Eskom suspects that one of the main power cables has been damaged, after several 66 kV breakers tripped.
Traffic lights in large parts of the area are out of order due to the power outages and motorists are requested to use intersections as four-way stops.
All walking routes in the Fernkloof, Rooiels and Kleinmond nature reserves, including Jeans Hill and Fairy Glen, are closed until further notice.
Community halls in Bettysbaai, Gansbaai and Zwelihle have meanwhile been opened for residents who need shelter.
Authorities are warning residents to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.