WATCH: Storms give South Coast a pounding

About 300mm of rain fell within a 48-hour period.

July 26, 2016

Judi Davis 1 minute read

THE South Coast woke to a storm-lashed world this morning after the whole area had been pounded by heavy winds, massive surf and more than 36 hours of non-stop rain

For Hibiscus Coast Municipality rescue workers the last 24 hours have been exceptionally busy. According to municipal spokesman Simon April, the fire and disaster team had responded to 15 incidents since yesterday morning. Seven houses in Wards 20, 22 and 23 had been affected by flooding. The municipality was providing affected families with emergency relief items.

Municipal crews had been called on to to attended to many fallen trees that were obstructing roads. The South Coast’s many bridges were being closely monitored. Fortunately there had not yet been any reports of bridges being washed away, he said.

South Coast Herald reporters were out and about this morning, checking on the damage. In St Michaels, the whole roof had been blown off a block of flats.

Street lights, roads signs and other signage had been blown down in many area and infrastructure had been damaged.

A number of rivers were coming down in flood and right along the coastline beaches were severely battered by the storm surf. Huge amounts of storm and flood debris were strewn across beaches and roads were covered with leaves and branches from wind-damaged trees.

According to the Margate Airport tower staff, some 300mm of rain had fallen on the South Coast in a 48-hour period. Last night the wind had surged to speeds of 45 knots or about 38km per hour and constant thunder and lightning had added to the mayhem.

“The weather is expected to normalise by Thursday,” Mr April said. He added that emergency crews were on standby to attend to any eventualities.