Three cargo vessels at Durban harbour that were in danger of breaking free from their moorings during strong winds on Wednesday were kept steady by tugboats.
As a south-westerly blew through the city on Wednesday, the ships started to part from their lines. “Fortunately we had tugs out there in time so they did not drift,” said acting harbour master, Captain Sanks Plaatjes. “We had one tug holding each of the vessels, so everything was under control.”
A forecaster from the South Afrcian Weather Service, Wisani Maluleke, said the wind reached about 74km/h in the late afternoon, and was caused by a cold front in the province. He said it was expected to die down by last night.
But even 74km/h winds were not enough to put a damper on the Vodacom Durban July spirit. Gill Simpkins, the event’s media manager, said the tents that had been set up on the Greyville Racecourse for Saturday’s event had not been affected. “They are all securely tied down, so we are not worried about any damages,” she said.
Despite the strong winds, no major damage had been reported.
The weather service has predicted clear skies over Greyville on Saturday – for the morning, at least – as thousands gear up for the Durban July.
Weather forecaster Wiseman Dlamini said while clear skies were expected in the morning, punters should take an umbrella for later because there was a 30 percent chance of late afternoon showers, rising to 60 percent as the evening progressed.
North-easterly winds at 20km/h could be expected in the afternoon. The maximum temperature for Durban was expected to be 26°C, dropping to 18°C in the evening.
The partly cloudy conditions will continue on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 24°C.
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