#Weather and #Disaster #Observations Western Cape : 6 March 2015 04h00 SAST - MSBWXB

SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 
 
WARNINGS: Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places over the interior of the Northern Cape, West Coast District and Central Karoo.

WATCHES: -----Nil

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------Nil

MOSSEL BAY REAL TIME WEATHER OBSERVATION:   07h00 -  Currently 2/8 foggy cloud. No wind.  22 Deg/C.  2 mm of light rain recorded at Heiderand, Mossel Bay overnight.

PLETTENBERG BAY WEATHER OBSERVATION: 12:20 Yesterday - A massive funnel cloud caused a bit of panic around the Western Cape on Thursday. A thick layer of cloud unsuccessfully tried to reach the ground along Plettenberg Bay. Luis Fernandes from eNCA weather department said the cloud is the beginning of a tornado but there was no reason for people to be alarmed. Could this be a #tornado over Plett skies at 12:20 today??? pic.twitter.com/GGVruNXA9h — Redford Lane Wines (@RedfordLaneWine) March 5, 2015 “These types of vortices occur along the coastline from time-to-time and are generally harmless, unless they manage to reach the ground. “This particular situation is not associated with a thunderstorm, it is highly unlikely that even if this funnel reached the surface it would cause any significant damage,” said Fernandes. No damage was reported. - eNCA

Opinion: MSBWXB is of the opinion that this might have been a water spout funnel.  Difficult to tell though from the information and image, however the conditions were not conducive for the formation of a tornado yesterday in the Plettenberg Bay area.

WEATHER FORECAST: WESTERN CAPE

Partly cloudy along the south coast at first otherwise fine and warm to hot. The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southeasterly but strong in the south - west. The expected UVB sunburn index:Extreme

DISASTER OBSERVATION: WESTERN CAPE

Firefighters worked throughout the night again, battling Cape Town fires.  The Cape Point fire is cause for concern as it is currently burning out of control over a line of 10km. A 33km/h SE wind is forecast for the Cape Town area today which may again cause flare ups.  For real live updates on these fires follow @MSBWXB on Twitter. 

- MSBWXB + SAWS

#FunnelCloud Observed in the #Mosselbay area (10 December 2014)

Image: Frik (Lone Runner) (Click on image for larger view.)

Rare and amazing image: Although a bit late to report this image is still worthy for record purposes.  The image depict a funnel cloud in the Mossel Bay area as observed and photographed by Frik.  Thanks Frik for sharing this rare image.

I have been living in Mossel Bay for more than 20 years and this is the first funnel cloud reported in the Mossel Bay area.  A few years ago a water spout was reported at Brenton on Sea in the Knysna area.  And who say's that  Mossel Bay has the second best climate in the world?  One never knows what Mothern Nature can throw at you.  Always keep and eye on the weather and keep your camera close-by!

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 10 January 2015 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 
 
WARNINGS: Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the eastern and central parts of the Northern Cape, the Central and Little Karoo of the Western Cape and the extreme north western parts of the Eastern Cape. 

WATCHES: Severe thunderstorms is expected over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape.  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ? (No update from SAWS)  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  Yesterday a funnel cloud ("Tornado") was observed by observers in the Kathu, Northern Cape area. Eye witness reports indicate that the funnel grew bigger as it moved towards the ground before it dissipated again. Great observation by Endri, Hennie and Elsa. No reports of any damage was received from Kathu.

Images: Endri van Vuuren Kotze via Stormreport SA and Hennie and Elsa Nellis. (Click on images for larger view.)

An early morning (10 am) thunderstorm dumped 40mm or rain in a very short time in areas of Pretoria. - Obs. Emile van Rooyen.  Flooding was also reported in parts of the city.  No damage reports were received up to now.

Images: Rob Byrne Traffic SA (Click on image for larger view.)

MSBWX General Weather Observations:  Cool, warm to very hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms and rain showers can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal.  Light rain is expected in parts of the Western Cape by this evening.  Drizzle can be expected on the escarpment of Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

MSBWX National Disaster Observations:  Several veld fires were again burning in parts of the Western Cape yesterday.  However fire fighting services quickly contained the fires.

Images: Twitter and as mentioned in the images. (Click on images for larger view.)

NSRI National Warnings:------ Nil

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 23 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SAWS DID NOT UPDATE THEIR PDF REGIONAL WEATHER WARNINGS/FORECAST THIS MORNING.
WARNINGS: ------?  

WATCHES: -------? 

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: --------? 

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  Yet another funnel cloud was observed in Mpumalanga this time near Dullstroom.  Image: Kevin King via Mika di Lorento

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms and rain showers can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal.  Drizzle can be expected in parts of the Western Cape this morning.

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: --------Nil

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations: 20 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: -----Nil  

WATCHES: Severe thunderstorms possible in places over the western KwaZulu-Natal. 

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------ Nil  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  Fairly intense thunderstorms were observed in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Kwazulu Natal yesterday. Once again a funnel cloud was observed near Middelburg,  Mpumalanga.  No reports of damage were received thus far.  Images: Yolandi Delport via Biaan Lombaar (Twitter)

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms and rain showers can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal.  

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: --------Nil

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

SA National Weather and Disaster Observations: 12 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: ------- Nil  

WATCHES: Severe thunderstorms are possible over the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern parts of the Free State and North West Province as well as along the north-eastern escarpment of the Eastern Cape.  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------ Nil  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  

Yesterday severe weather was observed in parts of Gauteng and Eastern Cape. Heavy rain, flash flooding and a tornado was observed in the Kokstad area. No reports of serious damage thus far. Images: Storm Report SA, Traffic SA, Gauteng Weather, Twitter and Facebook.

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms and rain showers can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, Free State,Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal.  Light rain can be expected this morning in parts of the Western Cape.

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: --------Nil

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

SA National Weather and Disaster Observations: 9 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: ------- Nil  

WATCHES: 1. Localised urban flooding is expected in Gauteng, north-eastern parts of the North West Province, South-western Limpopo, Mpumalanga Highveld, north-eastern parts of the Free State and North-western parts of KwaZulu Natal from the afternoon into the evening. 2. Severe thunderstorms is expected over the eastern interior of the Eastern Cape and also over the south-western parts of KwaZulu Natal in the afternoon.  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------ Nil  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  

Yesterday severe weather was observed in parts of the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal. Heavy rain, hail, flash flooding and a tornado in the New Castle area were observed.  No reports of serious damage thus far.  Images: Storm Report SA, ER24, Paul vd Nest, Twitter and Facebook. Many thanks to all those who send in observation reports and images. (Please note we cannot publish every single image received.  However by visiting @SAWXREP's and Storm Report SA's Twitter pages you will be able to view all the images.)

MUST WATCH: Video footage of Newcastle tornado. Video by Paul v d Nest.

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. Drizzle can be expected over the escarpment of Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces in the morning and evening.  Light rain is expected this evening in parts of the Western Cape along the Southern Cape coast.

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: Fire fighters fighting a fire that has been raging for the past two days in the Gouritz area.

Working on Fire @wo_fire · 12h12 hours ago

Status Update Eden District 08/12 18h30 ongoing fire day 2 at Gouritz WoF Mosselbay Team #Summerfireseason in full swing

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

SA National Weather and Disaster Observations: 26 November 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape as well as the Central and Little karoo of the Western Cape. 

WATCHES: Severe thunderstorms are expected over the extreme eastern parts of the Northern Cape, western parts of the North West Province, in places over the interior of the Eastern Cape, the Free State as well as over the extreme western parts of KwaZulu-Natal. 

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------Nil  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:   Yesterday severe weather was observed in parts of Lesotho, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu Natal.  Reports were received of hail in the Volksrust, Underberg, Sanipass, N5 Route Bethlehem/Harrismith and Machadodorp. No reports of any damage were received.  Images: Jane Patterson via Storm Report SA and Richard Pfotenhauer via  Underberg Diary.

Another video and images of the tornado that struck the Protea Glen area of Soweto was released yesterday by News24.  Click HERE for images of the damage caused.  It is my personal opinion that more than enough evidence now exist to confirm that a tornado did occur in the Protea Glen area of Soweto on the 24 November 2014.

Video: Joy Ngwenya via News24

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to very hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, Free State, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. Keep an eye out for severe thunderstorms with strong wind and possible large hail. Flooding can be expected in areas. Morning drizzle and fog can be expected on the escarpment of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.  We are once again in for some interesting weather.  An upper air trough and the possible formation of a cut-off low may result in severe weather.  It is however to early to confirm the cut-off low at this stage. So let's keep an eye on the weather for the next two days.

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: ----Nil

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS 

SA National Weather and Disaster Observations: 24 November 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: -----NilA  

WATCHES: ------Nil  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------Nil  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:   Yesterday severe weather was observed in parts of Gauteng, North West and Kwazulu Natal.  Apart from hail, heavy rain and flooding a tornadic event was observed in Gauteng while a wall cloud made it's appearance over Rustenburg. Approximately 30 houses were damage in Protea Glen, Soweto after a tornado struck the area. No reports of injuries to people were received thus far.  Here are a few images and a video of the severe weather experienced yesterday.

Images: Facebook, Twitter and other sources to many to mention. Many thanks to all those who contributed by sending images, information and videos to SAWXREP on Twitter. Thereby we could keep the public informed.  Your contributions are highly appreciated.

WORD OF ADVISE:  Tornadoes are natures freaks and they are killers. Rotating thunderstorms are the best predictors of tornado activity.  They are well defined thunderstorms that may include hail, severe winds, lightning, heavy rain and flash flooding.  Tornadoes can occur when a warm front meets a cold front, forming a thunderstorm, which can spawn one or more tornadoes. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 15h00 and 21h00 but can occur at any time if conditions are conducive. 

1. Although no severe weather watches or warnings were issued by the SA Weather Service yesterday, tornadic clouds were observed by several observers. Thunderstorms most likely to spawn tornadoes are called supercells. A good example yesterday of such a thunderstorm was the one in Rustenburg.  Thankfully it did not mature enough to turn into a severe weather event.  

The public are advised to keep on monitoring the weather closely.  Be aware what is happening at all times. 

Once again do not try to watch tornadoes from close up.  Have a look at the list of deadliest tornadoes that caused more than a 100 deaths in the world.  Click HERE to view.

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to very hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. Keep an eye out for severe thunderstorms with strong wind and possible large hail. Flooding can be expected in areas. Morning drizzle and fog can be expected on the escarpment of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: ----Nil

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS 

SA National Weather and Disaster Observations: 24 November 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: -----NA  

WATCHES: ------NA  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------NA  

The SAWS website is down this morning.  No warnings available.NA = Not Available

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:   Amanda Erasmus reported that they visisted Pieta and Marie Fourie on Saturday when they observed a tornado at around 16h00 on the farm Bloedrivierspoort between Vryheid and Utrecht.  No fatality or structural damage reports were received except damage to trees.  Apparently the tornado dissipated just before reaching some houses.

Here is the link to a video on Facebook of the tornado posted by Jene Erasmus:  Click HERE. Images: Amanda Erasmus via Storm Report SA.

WORD OF WARNING:  Tornadoes are natures freaks and they are killers.The fastest wind speed ever recorded 511 kilometers an hour occurred during a tornado near Oklahoma City in 1999.  A tornado with wind speeds of 113 kilometers an hour can sweep away entire houses and hurl cars through the air like missiles. But a tornado with wind speeds of more than 483 kilometers an hour has the power to derail train cars, tear grass from the ground, and even rip pavement from the street.. DO N0T WATCH THEM UP-CLOSE. Don't put you life at risk!

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. Keep an eye out for severe thunderstorms with strong wind and possible large hail. Flooding can be expected in areas.

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: ----Nil

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS