KAAP NAT

RAIN lashed the Mother City yesterday, leaving many areas flooded as a cold front hit Cape Town. 

Reports of localised flooding came in from across the Cape metropole - from Blaauwberg to Strandfontein. 

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.

The rainfall forecast showed an 80% probability of widespread rain along the Cape south-western coast, with interior regions experiencing a 60% chance of scattered showers.

Despite the heavy rainfall, no major incidents or injuries have been reported due to the downpours over the course of the morning, according to the City’s Disaster Operation Centre.

Spokesperson Charlotte Powell said: “In the main, roadways have been affected, due to the volume of water entering the stormwater systems. Teams are attending to service requests received by the Disaster Operations Centre.

“We remind the public to please 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.”

Traffic was heavily affected yesterday in suburbs and informal settlements, while the City’s Traffic reported several disruptions.

Kevin Jacobs of Cape Town Traffic said: “There are no full road closures at this time, but lane closures [were] in effect.”

These included Owen Road eastbound after 35th Avenue in Elsies River, Strandfontein Road northbound at Klip Road, 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. 

The rain is expected to move on from Cape Town from today, with only a 30 percent chance of showers, according to the South African Weather Service.