SA Government urges public to stay vigilant amid expected cold weather

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CAPE TOWN - With a cold front expected to bring very cold, wet and windy conditions to parts of the country from Sunday, government is urging the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that a cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape, bringing cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions, rough seas and snowfall over mountainous areas.

The system is expected to move eastwards, with these conditions spreading to the Eastern Cape and further inland. Snow is expected over mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, while there is a lower probability of light snow over some other higher-lying areas.

The expected conditions may result in localised flooding, damaging winds, rough seas, very cold conditions and snowfall over mountainous areas, with potential impacts on communities, infrastructure and travel. Farmers are urged to take appropriate measures to protect livestock from the cold, including ensuring that animals have access to safe, sheltered and adequately protected areas.

“Government, through the relevant authorities, is monitoring the developing weather system and calls on communities, motorists, farmers and other members of the public to remain informed and take appropriate precautions,” Acting Government Spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said on Friday.

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