Widespread flooding and snow in Cape Town as cold front hits
Early winter rains bring flooding across Cape Town as snow dusts Western Cape mountain peaks
Image: Donovan Nelson/ Facebook
A cold front brought a taste of winter to the Western Cape at the weekend, with widespread rain and localised flooding across Cape Town, and reports of snow on mountain peaks.
The City of Cape Town said its Disaster Operations Centre received multiple reports of flooding across the metro yesterday, with assessments under way in informal settlements in Nyanga and Brown’s Farm where structures may have been affected.
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan said the extent of the impact would only be confirmed once assessments were completed.
“Our Disaster Operations Centre received reports that structures in these areas have been affected by the heavy downpours, although the extent can only be confirmed once assessments are completed,” she said.
Across the city, several roads were affected by flooding.
In Parkwood, Ward 65 councillor Donovan Nelson said multiple incidents had been logged with the City for urgent attention, including along Parkers Walk, Parkwood Avenue, Eric Viljoen Road, Abdullah Moosa Walk, Hoosain Parker, Willow Walk, Erics Walk and Blackbird Avenue.
“These matters have been logged with the City of Cape Town and urgent attention has been requested,” Nelson said.
Flooding was also reported in Simon’s Town, where traffic was diverted via Soldier’s Way back onto Main Road due to water accumulation.
Traffic disruptions were also reported along Main Road and the Glencairn Expressway.
In Constantia, a tree obstructed part of Constantia Main Road, with City services dispatched to clear the roadway.
Ward councillor Johann Loots also confirmed flooding at the intersection of Protea Road and Buitenkant Street, saying the City had been notified and would assess and respond.
While the rain impacted large parts of the metro, higher-lying areas saw the first signs of the winter season.
Matroosberg Reserve said on social media that snow had fallen on the Worcester mountains, although only on the highest peaks.
“The snow has arrived. It is cold and stormy. Snow only right at the peaks, nothing low down,” the reserve said, adding that trails would remain closed during stormy conditions.
The South African Weather Service said a well-defined cold front had brought widespread showers over the south-western parts of the province, with rainfall accumulations expected to range between 30mm and 60mm, particularly over mountainous areas.
Despite widespread reports of flooding, the City said it had not received confirmation of major residential impacts at this stage.
Wet and windy conditions are expected to persist into the early hours of Monday, with residents urged to exercise caution. Emergencies can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communications Centre