Cape Town - Snowfall on the high-lying areas of the Western Cape was expected to bring much-needed recharge relief to the province's dams.
Significant rainfall also had a positive effect on the dam levels of the province, the national department of water and sanitation said.
Severe rainstorms lashed Cape Town and other parts of the drought-stricken Western Cape overnight, leading to severe flooding in places. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
"Significat rainfall over the weekend and early this morning has brought needed relief to the Western Cape dams. According to the latest dam levels assessments of 02 July 2018, the combined average dam levels for the Western Cape Water Supply System(WCWSS) are at48.33% as compared to 42.33% last week."
People came out in their numbers to witness the good snowfall in Ceres. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest dam in the system had risen to 34.15% compared to 19.24% at the same time last year, department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said.
"Misverstand dam on the West Coast is at 157.38%; Voëlvlei has also improved to 44.66% from 36.27% the previous week. The Clanwilliam dam on the West Coast is also showing an improvement from 57.46% last week to 67.69% this week. The total storage for Western Cape dams is 41.50%.
Wolsely mountains were covered in snow after a cold front moved over the Western Cape. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
"The South African Weather Services reports snow over of the mountain peaks in the province, with significant rainfall recorded in the province over the past 24 hours. Ceres recorded about 124 mm of rainfall and Grabouw recorded 65 mm. More rain is expected throughout the day in most parts of the province," he said.
Two people pose for a selfie on Bo-Swaarmoed road. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
The department also warned people to take precautionary measures as some areas experience localised flooding.
People came out in their numbers to witness the good snowfall in Ceres. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
“We welcome rain in the province as it is good for the water security, yet we also encourage people to take extra caution in this time. Levels of water in the rivers rise and this means people must be careful when crossing these rivers”, said Ratau.
Hannes Van Den Berge, his daughter Lillian(5) and son Daniel(3) enjoying the snow in Ceres. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
Following declining water levels in the dams, the department intensified some measures by decreasing the abstraction of water from the WCWSS by 45% for domestic and industries and 60% for the agricultural sector.
Wolsely mountains were covered in snow after a cold front moved over the Western Cape. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
"Agricultural use restrictions were raised from 50% to 60%. These remain in place until a review of the status is done at the hydrological cycle upcoming," the department said.
Severe rainstorms lashed Cape Town and other parts of the drought-stricken Western Cape overnight, leading to severe flooding in places. Picture: Henk Kruger/ANA/African News Agency
"The Department is continually monitoring the levels of all dams in the province. The Western Cape receives its water primarily in winter and with this significant rain, there is hope that the dams will recharge faster," it said.
@TheCapeArgus