Cape Town – The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rains in the Western Cape for today, Monday.
SAWS warned that the adverse weather was expected to lead to the flooding of roads, bridges, and formal and informal settlements, mudslides, and danger to life due to fast-flowing rivers.
The disruptive rains were expected over the mountainous regions of the Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, the western parts of the Theewaterskloof, City of Cape Town, Breede Valley, and Witzenberg local municipalities of the Western Cape until Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
In addition, SAWS issued an Orange Level 6: Gale-force winds and dangerous seas.
Wave heights of 6.5–7.5m are expected today, Monday, 11 May 2026.
An Orange Level 5 warning has also been issued for winds gusting up to 120km/h over the Cape Winelands and western Central Karoo.
SAWS warned that falling trees and damage to infrastructure were possible.
SAWS issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for possible storm surges that could increase water levels along the coast.
The Western Cape Education Department has provided a school-related update, with 122 schools in the Cape Winelands closing today, Monday, 11 May 2026, because of the inclement weather.
Provincial Minister of Education, David Maynier, said the decision was taken in the interests of learner and teacher safety after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service.
“All public ordinary and special needs schools in Circuits 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be closed, due to the severe weather warnings in these areas, including Worcester, Ceres, Rawsonville, Tulbagh, and Hex River Valley,” said the provincial minister.
“In addition, 11 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will remain closed due to the impact of last week’s storm on access to these schools.”
Maynier said all other schools in the province will be open unless approval has been granted for closure, which will be done on a case-by-case basis.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has been activated.
Municipalities were preparing for flooding, road closures, and disruptions to essential services.
Please take precautions:
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Stay away from rivers, low-lying bridges and coastal areas
- Secure loose items and prepare for strong winds
- Monitor official channels for updates
In an emergency, contact your local authorities.
