The City of Cape Town has urged residents to take precautions ahead of the inclement weather this weekend.

The South African Weather Service has upgraded its weather warning to a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain tomorrow and Sunday.

There is also a Level 2 warning for damaging waves, between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas on Saturday, spreading to Plettenberg Bay from Sunday into Monday, and a Level 1 warning for damaging winds between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas from Friday evening into Saturday evening.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has alerted all relevant Departments to be on standby for any potential impacts brought about by the forecast.

Disaster Risk Management Spokesperson Charlotte Powell has urged the public to be vigilant, and to act promptly to mitigate any potential impacts on their properties.

Some general mitigation measures include:

• Clean Gutters: Regularly clear debris from gutters to ensure proper water flow.
• Prune Trees: Trim branches and remove any overhanging limbs that could cause blockages during heavy rain.
• Clear Waterways: Ensure that there are no obstructions in nearby waterways or drainage systems that could lead to flooding or water damage.
• Maintain Drainage Systems: Regularly clear drainage channels to prevent blockages.
• Elevate Structures: Raise the floor level of homes where possible, so that it sits higher than the surrounding ground.
• Create Sandbags: Prepare sandbags to use as temporary barriers against flooding.
• Dig Trenches: Construct trenches around your home to direct water away from the structure.
• Waterproof Structures: Ensure roofs are watertight, gutters are clear, and dead branches or debris is removed to reduce potential rainfall damage.
• Report Issues: Immediately report blocked drains, drainage intakes, potholes and instances of illegal dumping, as these can exacerbate flooding conditions.
• Be aware of flying debris like tree branches and other loose objects.
• Stay informed and follow official updates from the South African Weather Service or Disaster Risk Management officials.

Weather-related emergencies can be reported to the Public Emergency Communication Hotline: 021 480 7700

READ: WEATHER WARNING! Snow headed for the Western Cape this weekend