Those living in coastal areas in the Western Cape and Namaqua region are urged to be extra cautious as strong southerly to south-easterly winds will create massive waves and choppy seas on Wednesday, February 10 to Thursday, February 11.
The affected areas include Bergrivier, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cederberg, City of Cape Town, George, Hessequa, Kamiesberg, Knysna, Matzikama, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland and Table Bay.
“A tight pressure gradient over the western parts of the country is expected to result in strong (50-Gokh) southerly to south-easterly winds along the west and south-western coastline in conjunction with significant wave heights of 4.0-4.5m with short periods of 6-s are expected between Hondeklip Bay and Betty’s Bay from Wednesday morning, resulting in choppy rough seas which poses risk of minor impacts at sea,” said the Garden Route municipality in a statement.
Small vessels, as well as personal watercraft such as kayaks and surfboards, are expected to experience difficulty in navigation in choppy waves and will be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.
The waves may also disrupt beach activities and cause risk to rock anglers as big waves will be crashing on the coastline, expected particularly between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay including the False Bay region as well.
The Municipality urges all residents to be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets.
Report any severe weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at telephone number 044 805 5071.