Powerful winter storm to sweep South Africa over long weekend, SAWS warns

The South African Weather Service (SAWS)Sunday, 9 August, bringing hazardous conditions across much of the country during the long weekend.

What to expect

SAWS says the system will produce cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions, plus rough sea conditions and snowfalls over the mountainous areas of the Western and Northern Cape before spreading eastwards into the Eastern Cape.

Deterioration inland

Forecasters expect conditions to worsen on Monday, 10 August as the weather system moves inland. According to SAWS, “the upper-air trough is expected to deepen even further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country,” bringing cold to very cold temperatures, widespread rain and showers, and snowfall over the mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Hazards and impacts

SAWS warned the storm could cause localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads, bridges, and informal settlements due to persistent rainfall, particularly where rain is prolonged. The forecasters also cautioned about damaging winds, saying these “may result in fallen trees, damage to roofs and infrastructure, power interruptions, and hazardous driving conditions.”

Along the coast, SAWS said rough sea conditions and high waves could affect maritime activities and threaten coastal infrastructure. Authorities have raised concerns about the effect of the cold spell on vulnerable communities and livestock, warning that very cold conditions could increase the risk of exposure and add pressure on farmers.

Advice for the public

Motorists and holiday travellers were urged to exercise caution when travelling over mountain passes during the long weekend, as snowfall could lead to dangerous driving, road closures and transport disruptions. SAWS encouraged the public, motorists, farmers and disaster management authorities “to remain informed by following updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service and to take the necessary precautions as this weather system progresses across the country.”

Emergency response

Emergency services and disaster management teams are expected to stay on high alert while the winter storm moves through the country during the long weekend.