Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Director for Safety and Security, Adv Keith Meyer, said although his team will be on alert following a notification of showers and thunderstorms by the South African Weather Services, Nelson Mandela Bay is likely not be severely impacted.

"We understand there are concerns from residents regarding the weather outlook from tonight until Sunday. However, I can assure residents that the Safety and Security Directorate, that includes Disaster Management, are ready for any eventualities.

"We will be working closely with the South African Weather Services to stay abreast of changing weather patterns.

"If the need arise, a Joint Operations Centre – consisting of all major roleplayers – will be set up to manage developments,” Meyer said.

South African Weather Service outlook

"Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the province from today until Sunday, with severe thunderstorms associated with strong winds and excessive lightning expected over the western and north eastern parts today but over  the eastern parts tomorrow.  The impacts for these severe thunderstorms remain minimal at this point but will be monitored for possible amendments. In addition, localized flooding is expected along the South Coast between Plettenberg and Cape St Francis from tomorrow evening, going into Wednesday, when heavy rain exceeding 50mm is expected. Therefore an impact based warning will be issued for the flooding along these areas along the South Coast. Subsequently, gale force W'ly winds are expected along the South Coast on Wednesday, possibly enhancing the wave heights along the coast. At this point no impact based warnings have been issued in line with possible storm surges as not all parameters are favourable at this point.”

Ends

Issued on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by Municipal Spokesman Kupido Baron (082 780 2726 / 041 506 1500 / kbaron@mandelametro.gov.za/ @kupidobaron).