The Weather service has warned of damaging winds for the Western Cape.

• Level 6 weather warnings have been issued for parts of the Western Cape for Sunday and Monday.
• Damaging waves, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds are expected on Heritage Day. 
• Disaster management teams are on high alert. 

The South African Weather Service has issued level 6 warnings for damaging waves, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds for parts of the Garden Route District Municipality on Sunday and Monday.  

The three severe weather alerts will impact Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Kannaland, and Oudtshoorn.

Damaging waves will batter all coastal municipal areas along the Garden Route.

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell said disaster management teams are ready for any eventuality over the long weekend.

The MEC said damaging waves are predicted between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay, and disruption at ports and small harbours can be expected.

"Damaging winds are expected over the Garden Route, eastern Overberg and Langeberg Municipality, while severe thunderstorms are predicted over the Garden Route, Overberg, and southern Cape Winelands. 

"This can lead to flash floods in the affected areas," said Bredell. 

READ | Batten down the hatches: SAWS warns of cold, wet and windy weather this weekend 

He added that all emergency, essential and safety structures are in a state of readiness. Contingency plans are in place for any eventuality.

"We are asking the public to please be careful from Sunday late afternoon until Monday. The weather will be unpleasant and even dangerous in some places," Bredell stressed.

He said people should carefully consider travelling and visiting coastal towns, especially in the Overberg and Garden Route district municipalities.

Bredell said:

City of Cape Town Disaster Management Centre spokesperson Charlotte Powell said all relevant departments are on standby.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said gale-force winds and rough sea conditions could be expected around the Western and Eastern Cape coastlines. 

"In places affecting inland rivers, dams and waterways, [the] SAWS are forecasting heavy rainfall, and areas may experience flooding. We appeal to the public to follow SAWS weather warnings and updated weather forecasts.

"Don't deliberately get into harm's way," Lambinon said. 

He asked people to stay safe.

"Stay inside. Don't drive. Don't launch to go to sea unless you have to. Be cautious and be safety-minded," said Lambinon. 

The NSRI said seafarers should wear life jackets while at sea, and appealed to coastal hikers, shoreline anglers, paddlers, sailboarders, surfers and bathers to stay away from rough seas and be aware of their safety.

Widespread showers and thundershowers are expected across western, central, and southern South Africa, particularly from Sunday.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Mamela Ndamase said their disaster management team "always have a standby crew ready to respond."

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said a statement would be issued later.