The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Joint Operation Centre will be operational from 07:00 on Friday 5 August to monitor the effects of heavy rain predicted for tomorrow and Saturday.
Motorists are requested to be very careful on the roads since slippery conditions could occur and the water levels are expected to rise quickly.
Stringent actions will be taken if motorists remove barricades at blocked off roads since this unacceptable practice endanger the lives of other motorists. During the last spell of heavy rain five vehicles were stuck in the Third Avenue dip area of Newton Park after deliberately ignoring warning signals.
The Port Elizabeth Weather Office issued the following precautions:
Watch for Friday/Saturday: 05/06 Aug:
- Very cold conditions are expected on high grounds with chances of snowfalls over the high mountains spreading to the high grounds on Friday the 5th.
- Heavy rain is expected in places between Plettenberg Bay and East London with possible flash flooding, on Friday.
Points of concern:
- All dams are now 100% full
- Water is still lying in pools all over the Eastern Cape (Soil moisture still very high)
- We have some temporary low level crossings that are under construction
- Anticipated snow is expected to cause disruptions to service delivery with closing of some if not all the major passes at times.
- Marine fraternity has been informed of rough seas but the event does not correspond with spring high tide in fact tides are going towards neap tides.
- At the time of most predicted rainfall tides should be going out so back-up into rivers should be alleviated but on the incoming high tide towards evening 19h35 backup into rivers could exacerbate the problems if any rivers are swollen and/or flooding.
Conditions will be cold and wet so unpleasant conditions are expected some proactive measures that are suggested are as follows:
- Ensure vulnerable communities have warm blankets and clothing
- Communities who regularly flood should ensure that essentials are already moved to higher ground
- People traveling should be aware that road passes may well be closed due to snow and slippery conditions
- General driving conditions may be affected and motorists should switch on head lights and drive with caution
- Low level crossings and low bridges may well be under water and could be closed
- Motorists are instructed not to remove barriers and to use the detours
The Joint Operation Centre can be contacted at 041 501 7980 to report flood related matters.
NMB Communications
Latest posts by NMB Communications (see all)
- Join The Celebration - 26 February 2025
- 6 Municipal Employees Supended - 15 January 2025
- Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Plant Work Progressing Well - 10 January 2025
- Kliprand Protest Brings Action - 7 January 2025
- Mayor Tells Us Why We Had a Successful Festive Season in Nelson Mandela Bay - 6 January 2025
