Cape Town storm update: Wednesday morning

Overnight, the much-anticipated Cape Town storm has uprooted large trees, overturned vehicles, blown off roofs, collapsed walls, left entire suburbs without electricity and forced several road closures – not to mention suspending schools for the day too.

It was like the late night television show that everybody was staying up late for. A fierce north-westerly gale began whipping itself into a frenzy as nightfall came, and then, a few minutes shortly after 10 pm, the first drops began to fall over the city. Soon thereafter the heavy rain arrived, a torrential downpour which became accompanied by loud thunderclaps and sheet lightning as the night drew on.

This morning, Capetonians are waking up to scenes of mayhem in some areas. No severe flooding has been reported yet, but from mid-morning until late afternoon is when apparently the storm will be in full force.

Steel billboard damaged overnight next to M5 after Plumstead turnoff. At risk of causing surrounding damage. #capestorm #capetown @News24 pic.twitter.com/Qj9GPsBFXh

— Paul Herman (@PaulHermanCPT) June 7, 2017

More pics of debris/damage after part of the roof of a building at Bergvliet High School was blown off#capestorm #CapeTownStorm @CapeTalk pic.twitter.com/xP86uR0IMZ

— Craig (@CRW1023) June 7, 2017

@EWNTraffic Jakes Gerwel Drive before Turfhall road exit, Stay safe and Be careful on the road guys? #CapeStorm pic.twitter.com/j8mP7HqyFt

— Ganief Adams (@MGAdams02) June 7, 2017

Collapsed neighbour’s wall in Claremont #capestorm pic.twitter.com/a7TIdwenoI

— paul vecchiatto (@paulvecchiatto1) June 7, 2017

1 roof damaged and 1 tree on the road with few electricity poles skewed. We close schools and everything #capestorm pic.twitter.com/vtBzdUZKKi

— Thuso™ ?????? (@ramalokot) June 7, 2017

This is Samora Machel (near M. Plain) roads flooded and at least 2 stormwater drains overflowing. Apparently worst of #CapeStorm yet to come pic.twitter.com/QKQKI31BlV

— Xolani Koyana (@JustKoyana) June 7, 2017

Really the car is under the tree. #capestorm pic.twitter.com/1aOTS4Dn5j

— ☇izwe (@s1zwe) June 7, 2017

While the worst is reportedly still to come, let’s spare a thought for those living in informal settlements and provide help for those who need it whichever way we can. Donations will be greatly welcomed today for the less-fortunate. Dwellings in informal settlements around the city have also been hit hard, with increasing reports coming in about last night’s destruction caused as Cape Town wakes up this morning.

There is the possibility of flash flooding when the next installment of rain arrives this morning, predicted to hit at around 10 am. Gusts over 90/kmph are being recorded. Take cover, stay off the roads if possible and report emergencies to the City of Cape Town.

For emergencies, residents can use the following numbers: