Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
How to be a Weather Smart WeatherKid
OVER the past week, many areas in the country received lots of rain due to a cut-off low pressure system, or cut-off low in short.
This cut-off low was forecasted to bring widespread showers and thundershowers to many parts of the country from April 6 to 9.
The forecast of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) was quite accurate, and many areas in the Western Cape (such as Stellenbosch, the Overberg and George) as well as in other provinces received high rainfall, flooding and damaging winds. There were also reports of fires fanned by strong winds, causing lots of damage.
As there was a lot of uncertainty about the strength of the system and its future movement, forecasters at SAWS advised the public to remain vigilant and continuously follow weather forecasts.
What are cut-off lows?
Cut-off lows are large weather systems notorious for causing widespread flooding. A recent example of such flooding and large-scale damage occurred in KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022. For those who are a bit older, the Laingsburg flooding in January 1981, which was a huge natural disaster that claimed many lives.
This was a cut-off low incident and is remembered until today. Ask your parents or grandparents if they can still remember the Laingsburg flooding.
These weather systems are known to bring damaging winds, severe thunderstorms and even snow, depending on the season in which they develop. They are most frequent during the autumn and spring seasons, with the highest frequency during April.
There is a saying that goes: “A cut-off low is the weatherman's woe”. So, why is this system called a weatherman's woe?
The reason is because it is agonisingly slow moving, placing weather forecasters on full alert, as this weather system that has been “cut off” from a larger system, can literally “stand still” over an area for a long period, dumping lots of rain on the area.
This can cause much damage to property, crops and animals and even loss of life.
What is flooding and what precautions can one take?
Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur during prolonged periods of rain; with continuous heavy falls; or in the form of flash floods which are
usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Just 15cm of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of 60cm will float your car. Never try to walk, swim or drive through such swift water. Stop , turn around and go another way. FLOODING PRECAUTIONS
If at all possible stay indoors and off the roads.
Listen to the special warnings on the radio and TV or social media. Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles.
Move to higher ground when flooding is possible.
If trapped in flooding in a vehicle,
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/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.
Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. Never drive into water covering the road. You do not know how deep it is or if the the road has been washed out. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher
ground.
Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognise flood dangers.
Do we expect another cut-off low this week? No.
The weather is quite settled for the next few days.
Some showers are expected over the central parts of the country, spreading to the south-east coast. However, it is always wise to follow the latest weather forecasts and remain a WeatherSMART WeatherKid.
You can follow the SAWS on: www. weathersa.co.za; Facebook (South African Weather Service @WeatherServic or X @SAWeatherServic