WC, NC residents urged to take extra care as cut-off low system brings hazardous weather - EWN

Residents in the Western and Northern Cape are being urged to take extra care as a cut-off low system brings heavy rain, gale-force winds and hazardous conditions to parts of the two provinces.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms and a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall for the Western Cape.

Forecasters warn the system could bring hail, lightning and localised flooding, with some areas expected to see particularly heavy downpours.

Rough seas are also expected along the south-western coastline, with waves of more than four metres in some areas.

SAWS senior forecaster Tokelo Chiloane is urging people to stay away from the coast while the warnings are in place.

"We know that it's warm and people want to go to the beach, but let's avoid the beach area whenever there's a warning because gale-force winds are very dangerous, and the rough seas are also dangerous."

Residents are also being urged not to cross flooded rivers or bridges, and to stay indoors.

"And whenever there's lightning, I always advise people not to be outside. Do not hide under metal structures, do not hide under a tree, because trees and metal objects are conductors of electricity, and lightning is a form of electricity."

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