Heavy rains sweep across Western Cape

The City’s Disaster Operation Centre said parts of Cape Town experienced localised flooding on Tuesday morning as heavy downpours swept across the Western Cape.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of two cold fronts affecting parts of the Western Cape and beyond this week, bringing rain, strong winds, and a drop in temperatures.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell has said the centre received multiple reports of flooding, particularly affecting roadways.

“In the main, roadways have been affected due to the volume of water entering the stormwater systems,” Powell said.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall and damaging winds across the Western Cape, cautioning about potential flooding in vulnerable areas and travel disruptions due to the adverse weather.

“No other major impacts have been recorded thus far. The current forecast is expected to remain in place for most of today, with the rain abating later this evening.

During an update on affected roads, Kevin Jacobs of City Traffic said: "Several roads are affected by localised flooding in the City.

There are no full road closures at this time, but lane closures are in effect:

• Owen Road eastbound after 35th Avenue, Elsies River
  
  
• Strandfontein Road northbound at Klip Road – left lane affected
  
  
• Malibongwe Drive eastbound before Sandown Road
  
  
• Jakes Gerwel Drive southbound between Weltevreden Bridge and Oliver Tambo Drive
  
  
• Blaauwberg Road in both directions at the MyCiTi bus station.

Motorists are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, and proceed with caution.

"We remind the public to remain vigilant—particularly on the roads—and to report any weather-related emergencies to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.”

Cape Argus