By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cape Town traffic officials are on Tuesday morning attending to reports of localised flooding where suburban roads and routes have been obstructed.
Mopping up operations are under way as heavy rains continue to pummel parts of the Cape.
These included the intersection of Japhta K Masemola and Duinefontein roads; Frans Conradie Drive and Norwood Road; Borcherds Quarry Road at the N2; and 35th Street between Robert Sobukwe and Owen roads.
Traffic services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said: Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes, proceed with caution, reduce their speed, and increase their following distances.
Weather-related power outages are being experienced in Mitchells Plain, Bridgetown, Rosebank, Mowbray, Claremont, Philippi, Hout Bay, Grassy Park, and Zeekoevlei. The electricity department is working to restore power.
The Western Cape is experiencing a cold snap, with rain forecast until Wednesday.
According to South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecaster Surprise Mhlongo, the southwestern parts of the province are expected to receive between 20mm and 35mm of rain on Tuesday.
While the rainfall data for Monday was not yet available, Mhlongo said some stations in the Cape Town metro, such as at Kirstenbosch, had recorded 160mm of rainfall between Monday and Tuesday morning.
Cape Town, as well as parts of the Cape Winelands and Overberg, could expect to see between 50mm and 80mm of rainfall over three days.
Due to the heavy rainfall, a Level-4 warning has been issued for the Cape Town metro, parts of the Winelands and the Overberg.
Flooding of roads and informal settlements are possible, along with damage to property, infrastructure, loss of livelihood and livestock, as well as the disruption of essential services.
Western Cape residents can also expect major disruptions to traffic flow due to flooding and the closure of major roads.