SAWS announces Level 2 weather alert for the weekend
The conditions are expected to impact coastal towns such as Cape Town, George, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, and Bitou the most.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 2 impact-based warning ahead of a powerful cold front expected to hit the Western Cape coastline over the weekend.
The warning takes effect at midnight on Saturday, 9 August, and will remain active until 23:59 on Sunday, 10 August.
SAWS warns that the system will likely cause dangerous sea conditions and strong winds, prompting authorities to urge all coastal users to exercise caution.
Hazardous Conditions Forecast
The approaching cold front is forecast to produce westerly to southwesterly swells between five and six metres, with near gale to gale-force winds reaching speeds of up to 74 km/h.
Coastal towns such as Cape Town, George, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, and Bitou will likely experience the strongest impacts.
Key Risks
- Large, unpredictable waves, posing serious danger to the public, particularly those walking near rocky shores.
- Disruptions to port and harbour operations, including possible delays in shipping and supply chain activities.
- Increased risk to small vessels, with strong winds and rough seas raising the possibility of capsizing.
- Localised infrastructure damage along coastal zones and beachfronts.
- Sand accumulation on coastal roads – particularly along routes like Baden Powell Drive in False Bay – potentially causing traffic issues.
SAWS Urges Caution
In response to the forecast, SAWS has strongly advised small vessel operators and personal watercraft users, including kayaks and jet skis, to stay ashore during the warning period.
SAWS urges coastal communities and visitors to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential travel near the shoreline, and keep updated through official weather reports and municipal alerts.