Be on the alert for flooding and rising water levels in rivers and ravines in parts of the Western and Southern Cape

Floods are one of the most common hazards in South Africa and leads to the untimely death of people when it happens, however not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly, while others such a flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain. Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple provinces.

Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or river breaching. Having lived in the Karoo for several years I experienced flash flooding first hand.   Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. Overland flooding, the most common type of flooding event typically occurs when waterways such as rivers or streams overflow their banks as a result of rainwater and cause flooding in surrounding areas. It can also occur when rainfall exceeds the capacity of underground pipes, or the capacity of streets and drains designed to carry flood water away from urban areas.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio for information. (Local radio stations or Radio Sonder Grense - good source of information)
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. (One of the acts that kill many in South Africa each year.) 30cm's of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. (One of the acts that kill many in South Africa each year.) If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

Don't be caught off guard, get the facts and know the risks. Take action to protect yourself, your family, your business, and your finances—before a weather event occurs and it's too late. 

Visit the following websites for up to date information on Severe Weather in the Southern and Western Cape:

Mossel Bay Weather Observation Service: -  http://mosselbayweather.blogspot.com/
MSBWX Twitter Account: - https://twitter.com/MosselBayWX2013 or tweet us at  @MosselBayWX2013

Source: FEMA
- MSBWX