#MotherOfAllStorms forces closure of Western Cape schools

The "Mother Of All Storms" as seen from space. Image: EUMETSAT

The "Mother Of All Storms" as seen from space. Image: EUMETSAT

Published Jun 6, 2017

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Cape Town – As a massive cold front approaches Cape Town, residents are preparing to batten down the hatches ahead of what's being called the "mother of all storms".

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has taken the decision to close schools on Wednesday after the cold front makes landfall.

Jessica Shelver, spokesperson for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, says the decision was not taken lightly.

"Provincial Disaster Management and the South African Weather Service briefed cabinet on the possible impact of the severe weather," Schäfer says.

Jessica Shelver, spokesperson for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer

"We were informed from the South African Weather Service that the Western Cape will experience gale force winds and heavy rains over an extended period...

"At this stage, current weather forecast methodology predicts:

· High winds of up to 90km per hour or higher are possible in some areas;

· Rains of up to 50mm or more over a 24 hour period across various areas;

· Very high seas are expected with swells reaching up to 10 – 12m."

Schools will be closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure and will reopen on Thursday.

Storm damage to schools can be reported to the Safe Schools Call Centre at 0800 45 46 47.

The approaching storm has also been on the fingertips of social media users.

Here she is folks. The #MotherOffAllStorms. #capestorm pic.twitter.com/otcHa6XPwg

— Peter Herring (@Peter_O_Herring) June 6, 2017

Some have wondered if the storm had been named.

Has anyone named this incoming CPT storm yet? We are so excited about some rain, surely it must have a name by now.. #capetowndrought

— Corli van der Merwe (@corlivdmerwe) June 6, 2017

With others offering suggestions.

Hmm. Disrupting the Western Cape, seemingly unstoppable, full of wind, swell & bluster, endangering the disadvantaged?

How about "Helen"? https://t.co/iLnRDIrMTo

— 6000 (@6000) June 6, 2017

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