Public Notice: Warning of Damaging Waves

Public Notice: Warning of Damaging Waves

Issued by the South African Weather Service 20 Feb 2023

Warning of damaging waves at George and surrounding areas from 20/02/23 to 21/02/23.

According to the Weather Service, strong to near gale force north-westerly winds (50-60 km/h, gusting 70-80 km/h) are expected between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas ahead of a cold front making landfall on Monday morning, reaching gale force (60-70 km/h, gusting 80-90 km/h) between Gansbaai and Struisbaai. It will become west to south-westerly from late morning, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon and will be accompanied by wave heights of 4.0 to 4.5m, reaching 5.0m near Cape Agulhas. The winds will moderate, and waves subside from the west during Tuesday morning.

Impact: Difficulty in navigating at sea due to strong winds and quick successive steep waves can be expected. Small vessels and personal watercraft (e.g., kayaks) are at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality as well as localised disruption to beach front activities are possible.

Instruction: Small boats and personal watercraft are advised to stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay. The public, especially the tourists that are not familiar with the coastal routes where built-up of sand are expected are advised to seek alternatives routes beforehand.