Western Cape braces for massive storm
An intense cold front has made landfall in areas of the Western Cape this evening.
The SA Weather Service has forecast rains of up to 50mm over a 24-hour period including flash flooding, hail, and winds of up to 90km per hour.
Forecaster at the Cape Town office, Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says the cold frontal system will also result in possible snowfall on the peaks of southern cape and western mountains.
"The bulk of the impact will be experienced on Wednesday, throughout the day. The main areas affected by that rain will be the western parts of the province. We have a watch out for heavy rain conditions in the Cape metropole, the Cape Winelands as well as the Overberg district.
"We are expecting gale force winds throughout the coastline and as well as over the interior regions, up until the central Karoo," she said.
High sea conditions are expected with swells reaching up to 10 - 12m. Makgabutlane explains the coastal alert below.
The City of Cape Town is monitoring high risk areas with disaster management teams and SA Air Force officials have been placed on standby should emergencies arise.
The Western Cape Education Department has issued a statement closing all schools for Wednesday as a precaution.
Weather conditions are expected to clear on Thursday.