Wet weather expected to last throughout the week

Members of the public are urged to brace themselves for more wet and slippery weather.

According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), the current rains that are lashing parts of Gauteng and the Western Cape should persist throughout this week.

SAWS has issued alert warnings of severe thunderstorms, which may result in localised flooding in parts of the country.

Forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela, says an alert Level 4 has been issued for Gauteng, while the Western Cape remains on Level 9.

The bad weather conditions have wreaked havoc in the Cape where more than 300 shacks were destroyed, trees uprooted and infrastructure damaged over the weekend.

The province has since closed schools in Overberg, Cape Winelands and Helderberg.

The roof structure at the Stellenbosch Mediclinic Hospital has been damaged resulting in the surgical and pediatric wards being affected.

Neonatal patients have been transported to an alternative hospital.

Yesterday, a major fire broke out in Kayamandi which displaced more than 1000 people. 🔥

We have activated our DSD teams to assist. A big thank you to @GiftoftheGivers who are also on the ground helping. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/GBG6Fhv8nQ

— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 7, 2024

TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK UPDATE ON TRAILS AND PICNIC SITE CLOSURES@SANParks

Due to the current severe weather conditions experienced across the Western Cape, coupled with heavy rain and strong winds throughout the Cape Town area, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP)…

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 8, 2024

I’ve just visited Groenheuwel Primary School in Paarl where parts of the roof was damaged because of the strong wind. 🏫

I’m pleased that contractors are already on site to start with repair work! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lOXOVtnbXX

— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 7, 2024

Emergency services in Gauteng and the Western Cape say they remain on high alert to deal with any eventualities.

Emergency service spokesperson in Johannesburg, Nana Radebe, has advised residents to avoid crossing river streams when conducting their daily activities.

“Monitor young children to stay away from river streams/drainage systems, motorists are urged to exercise caution while driving and to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges.”