South Africa is set to experience severe weather conditions on Friday, 7 June 2024, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
South Africa weather warnings: Severe conditions expected in these parts
The weather alerts include a range of warnings that could impact various regions across the country.
Here’s what you need to know:
Impact-Based Warnings:
- Orange Level 5 Warning: A storm surge is expected along the coast between Plettenberg Bay and Buffalo City. This could result in coastal flooding due to an increased sea level of 0.4m above the highest astronomical high tide, combined with already flooding rivers.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Damaging winds and waves are expected between Plettenberg and Kosi Bay. These conditions will make navigation difficult for small vessels and personal watercraft.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Along the coast between Plettenberg Bay and East London, spreading to Port Edward by Friday morning, damaging waves are expected, resulting in navigation difficulties and small vessels taking on water.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive snow is anticipated over the northeastern parts of the Eastern Cape, leading to icy roads and traffic disruptions. Some mountain passes might be closed for a short period.
Advisories:
- Very cold, wet, and windy conditions are forecasted for the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, as well as the Karoo Hoogland and Beaufort West municipalities in the Western Cape.
Understanding weather alert levels
Weather alerts are issued to inform the public about potential severe weather conditions and their likely impacts.
The levels are colour-coded and numbered to indicate the severity and urgency of the situation.
In South Africa, the primary alert levels are Yellow, Orange, and Red. Each level has specific criteria and implications.
Yellow Level Warning
- Description: Yellow-level warnings indicate that severe weather is possible, but the likelihood and impact are lower compared to higher levels. It serves as an early alert for the public to stay informed and be prepared.
- Actions: The public should stay updated with the latest weather information, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions to protect property and ensure personal safety.
Orange Level Warning
- Description: Orange-level warnings signify a higher likelihood of severe weather with significant impacts expected. This level is more serious than Yellow and calls for increased vigilance and preparation.
- Actions: People should take action to secure their property, make contingency plans, avoid travel if possible, and follow advice from authorities and emergency services.
Red Level Warning
- Description: Red-level warnings are the highest alert and indicate extreme weather conditions with a high likelihood of severe impacts. This level is rarely issued and only for the most dangerous situations.
- Actions: The public should follow emergency instructions, avoid all travel, secure homes and businesses, and be prepared for possible evacuations.
Numbered Levels within Color Categories
Within each colour category, there are numbered levels to further specify the severity:
- Level 1: Minor impacts expected. Public advised to stay informed.
- Level 2: Moderate impacts expected. Public advised to take precautions.
- Level 3: Significant impacts likely. Public advised to take protective actions.
- Level 4 and above: Major to extreme impacts expected. Public advised to follow emergency procedures and heed all warnings.
