Weather update: Rough seas and strong winds expected in the Cape

Rough, choppy and chaotic seas are expected in the Northern Cape and Western Cape, which have been hit by a cold front. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for wind and waves in the provinces.

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WIND AND WAVES WARNING

The weather warning is valid from 12:00 on Thursday, 25 May, until 23:59 on Friday, 26 May. The warning key indicates there is a high chance of minor weather-based impacts.

Southwesterly waves with significant heights of between four and five metres are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay from Thursday afternoon into Friday.

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The waves will be accompanied by southwesterly to westerly winds (40 to 60km/h, gusting up to 70 to 80km/h) between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay.

“The winds, together with the higher wave heights, will result in rough, choppy and chaotic seas,” said the weather service.

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The potential impact of the wind and waves includes:

• Difficulty navigating the sea for small vessels and watercraft.
• Small vessels and watercraft are at risk of taking on water and capsizing.
• Localised disruption of small harbour or ports.
• Localised damaged to coastal infrastructure.
• Localised disruption of beachfront activities.
• Members of the public are at risk of being swept off coastal rocks due to infrequent large waves.

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This article was originally published by STORM SIMPSON.