Pretoria – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple severe weather alerts for today, Thursday, 7 May 2026, warning of heavy rain, flooding, snow, and damaging winds across large parts of the Eastern and Western Cape.
The most serious warning is an Orange Level 8 alert for disruptive rain over Koukamma, Kouga, and Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape.
Authorities caution that widespread flooding could lead to prolonged disruptions of settlements, roads, and bridges.
SAWS also issued an Orange Level 6 warning for the extreme eastern parts of the Western Cape and the western coast of the Eastern Cape.
Heavy downpours are expected to flood property and roads, posing a danger to life and cutting off some communities.
Further alerts include:
- Yellow Level 2 rain warning for localised flooding and drainage system blockages in the eastern Western Cape and western Eastern Cape.
- Orange Level 5 snow warning for Senqu, Elundini, and Walter Sisulu municipalities, where pass closures and isolated communities are likely.
- Yellow Level 2 snow warning for Beyers Naude, Burgersdorp, and Chris Hani municipalities, with risks to livestock and traffic.
- Orange Level 5 wind warning along the south coast and interior of the Eastern Cape, threatening infrastructure, power supply, and road safety.
- Yellow Level 2 wind warning for widespread parts of the Eastern Cape, with localised damage expected.
- Orange Level 6 wind and wave warning between Cape Agulhas and Port Edward, where coastal infrastructure, harbours, and vessels may be affected.
- Yellow Level 4 wind and wave warning between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas, disrupting small harbours and ports.
However, the weather service has advised that very cold, windy, and wet conditions will dominate the Eastern Cape.
Farmers are urged to take precautions as snow, gale-force winds, heavy rain, flooding, and rough seas combine to create hazardous conditions.
Residents are strongly advised to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official updates.
