Snow Watch 2013

Hi All

From Snow Report SA and SA Weather Service
More related to CT but looks like a big one


[Cape Town] City’s disaster response teams braces itself for Cape of (April) storms

City disaster response teams placed on high-alert after series of weather advisories, watches and warnings issued.

The South African Weather Service has informed the City of a series of weather advisories, watches and warnings and that it should take the necessary action.

The South African Weather Service has forecast the following inclement weather conditions:

Warning: Gale force north-westerly winds (70km/h) are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas moderating Wednesday.

Watches: Gale force north-westerly winds (70km/h) are expected in places in western interior of Western Cape. Very rough seas with wave heights between 4 and 6 metres are expected in evening between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas spreading to Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay Wednesday. Heavy rainfall (> 50mm ) is expected in places in Cape Town Metro and Overberg Wednesday

Advisories: Very cold conditions are expected on the highgrounds of Western and Northern Cape provinces on Wednesday evening, spreading to highground of the Eastern Cape by Thursday.

City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre placed its supporting disaster response agencies and public safety authorities on high alert based on the weather prediction issued by the SA Weather Service.

The City appeals to all Capetonians to please exercise extreme caution during these weather conditions and to heed the following advisories:

· Slow down and maintain safe following distances on all roadways.

· Dress warmly if you are out in the cold to protect yourself against the elements.

· If sick, especially with influenza (flu), consult your local clinic, hospital or private medical practitioner for medical attention.

· Keep a watchful eye on open flames and extinguish them before going to bed (including candles, lamps and paraffin stoves).

It is likely that the expected heavy rainfall will cause localised flooding across the Cape Peninsula. This may be exacerbated by the fact that the water-table in the Cape Flats is already very high as a result of recent rains.

Residents are reminded to use the 107 number in the event of an emergency so that the nearest relevant emergency service provider can be dispatched. Dial 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. The sooner you phone, the sooner help will arrive.
Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 0860 103 089. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding burst and leaking water mains, faulty and leaking water meters, blocked and overflowing sewers can also be sent via SMS to 31373. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding electricity fault reporting can be sent via SMS to 31220.

The City’s Transport Information Centre can be contacted on 0800 65 64 63 regarding delays on roadways and deviations.

The South African Weather Service will keep the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre informed regarding weather conditions, and further advice will be made available if and when required.

For up-to-date weather reports listen to alerts on the radio and television, or visit www.weathersa.co.za, or call the weatherline at 082 162.

For further information regarding storms, gale-force winds and precautionary measures to prevent wind damage visit the website of the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre on: www.capetown.gov.za/en/DRM/Pages/StormsandHighorGaleforceWind.aspx

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects & Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Selous

I see yr.no is forecasting around 30mm of snow on Rhino and over 50mm of snow on Cathkin this weekend. Doesn't look like the small berg will get part of the action though.

I'm planning a trip in the northern 'berg from 27 April for a few days, wonder if we'll see any snow, and how cold it'll be.

There's a Amphitheater hike I am leading organized by Tuks's Exploratio and MCSA Magaliesberg going up on Saturday the 20th and coming down on Sunday. We will be around 25 people with mixed gear and experience levels.
I am very exited about this cold front as long as it goes away quickly, It looks like Sunday will be good weather with some snow on the ground hopefully.
Anyone else going to be up there? Or is it a bad idea

Guardian wrote: Is it a bad idea

On a similar note, how long is a piece of string?

It really depends on so many things (mainly gear and how accurate the weather forecast actually turns out to be, teams ability to handle strong winds and snow etc) - but I guess worst case scenario you could all squash into the horrible dirty Amphitheatre (if you can find it in thick mist/falling snow - a GPS may help) and the team could practice "spooning etiquette" if people are really cold

Maybe start a new thread and post the question, specifically where you plan on camping, gear levels in the group etc. It might be a good idea to warn the group of the expected conditions and tell everyone that they must ensure they have a space blanket as an emergency precaution.

That's weird? Mountain Weather Forecast web site shows completely clear and sunny weather all week? I don't know how to read photo's like this... it looks like quite a bit of snowfall in areas like Mont-Aux-Sources?