GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following weather warnings:

1) Level 1 – Damaging winds
2) Level 3 – Disruptive rain

Period valid: 5 to 6 May 2021

Level 1 warning for damaging waves resulting in difficulty navigating at sea and small vessels at risk of capsizing between Lambert's Bay to Plettenberg Bay from Wednesday 5 May into Thursday 6 May.

Instruction
Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Be aware of strong rip currents, especially during spring tides.

Affected areas
Bergrivier, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cederberg, City of Cape Town, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay

Level 3 warning for disruptive rain resulting in possible flooding and infrastructure damage is expected over the Overberg and Garden Route Districts from Wednesday 5 May into Thursday 6 May.

Flooding of roads and settlements (formal and informal) can be expected. Damage to property, infrastructure can also be expected. Due to possibility of roads flooding, major disruption of traffic flow is likely. Disruption to essential services such as water and electricity supply as well as disruption to communications and school activities can be expected. Mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion can also be expected with possible disruption due to sinkholes, potholes and blocked drainage.

Instruction
If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect or relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended.

Affected areas
Bitou, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Oudthsoorn, Overstrand, Swellendam, Theewaterskloof.

Report any weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at - 044 805 5071.

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