Severe weather wreaks havoc across the Western Cape

The Western Cape is currently grappling with severe weather conditions, resulting in widespread havoc and disruption across the region.

This post includes a roundup of the incidents unfolding due to the weather, regularly updated:

Drakenstein Farm watch reports chaos

According to Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW), the control and command centre is inundated with calls for assistance.

Power outages, infrastructural damage, blown-off roofs, fallen trees blocking roads and fires caused by damaged power cables are some of the critical issues being addressed in this area.

City of Cape Town traffic officers respond

City of Cape Town traffic officers are actively dealing with minor incidents and obstructions caused by adverse weather conditions. Officers are engaged in removing debris and branches from roadways to ensure safe passage for motorists.

Road closures

Sections of Baden Powell Drive remain closed due to hazardous conditions. The road is shut between Strandfontein Road and Capricorn Circle in Muizenberg, as well as between Oscar Mpetha and Mew Way in Khayelitsha.

Motorists are advised to avoid these areas.

A tanker and truck collided on Sunday afternoon, leaving Van Reenen’s Pass only partly open.

Blaauwklippen Vineyards Manor House destroyed

A devastating fire, fuelled by strong gale-force winds, has gutted the 300-year-old Manor House at Blaauwklippen Vineyards outside Stellenbosch. The fire reportedly originated on a neighbouring farm.

Somerset Mall closed

The Somerset Mall has been forced to close its doors due to roof sheeting being blown off by the relentless winds currently affecting the Western Cape.

Table Mountain National Park closed

In response to the unprecedented Level 9 weather warning, Table Mountain National Park has taken proactive steps to ensure public safety.

All hiking trails, mountain biking routes and horse riding trails within the park are closed due to anticipated adverse weather conditions.

Fire erupts in Fish Hoek

A significant fire has broken out in Fish Hoek, impacting areas along Simon’s Town Road below Echo Road and affecting nearby residential properties. The fire situation is exacerbated by strong gale-force winds, posing a risk of flare-ups.

Huguenot Tunnel closure

The Huguenot Tunnel has been closed in both directions for heavy motor vehicles after strong gusts caused a trailer to topple over, resulting in its closure for trailers. Light vehicles are permitted but advised to exercise caution.

School closures

Premier Alan Winde has announced the closure of all schools in the Overberg, Cape Winelands and Helderberg areas on Monday in response to the Level 9 weather warning issued by the SA Weather Service.

City activates Disaster Coordinating Committee

The City of Cape Town has activated its Disaster Coordinating Committee to manage the impacts of adverse weather conditions in the metropole and surrounding areas.

Wind-related incidents, including roofs being blown off in various locations and extensive damage at Somerset West Methodist Primary School, have been reported.

Roof blown off in Gordon’s Bay

Footage shows a house roof blowing off in Gordon’s Bay – one example of the destructive impact of the ongoing severe weather conditions.

https://www.capetownetc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Video-2024-04-07-at-15.53.00.mp4

Uprooted trees

Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management department, reported ‘numerous reports of uprooted trees’ in various areas including Somerset West, Philippi, Mitchells Plain and Sea Point.

Also read: 

Update: Schools close and Disaster Coordinating Committee activated

Picture: Supplied