Snowfalls to follow high seas, wind

HEAVY rains are expected to last until mid-morning today, while high seas with swells of up to 12m and 60-70km/h winds will continue. With snowfalls on the high peaks, extremely cold temperatures are setting in.

As mopping up operations begin, the SA National Defence Force announced that a helicopter and crew were on standby to assist with any evacuations.

Schools will re-open today after the Western Cape government closed them. Education Department spokesperson Jessica Shelver said 22 schools were damaged during the height of the storm.

Eskom reported that power was out in Albertinia, Stilbaai, Tulbagh, Caledon/Greyton, De Doorns, Touwsrivier, Ladismith, Franschoek, Worcester and Darling. Ladismith’s water supply had been affected due to the electricity disruption.

Electricity was also out in Athlone, Weltevreden Valley, Pelican Park, Schaapkraal, Goodwood, Boston and Parow Valley, while an estimated 460 dwellings were damaged in Macassar Village, Disa Park and Madiba Square.

Long-distance trains were cancelled from Cape Town and all lines were affected by signalling failure. Chapman’s Peak was closed due to mudslides, while only light vehicles could use the Huguenot Tunnel after midday and trucks were diverted over Du Toit’s Kloof Pass.

The provincial government warned people to stay clear of beaches, rivers and dams due to fast-flowing run-off.