Western Cape Government Prepares for Midweek Storm
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, today said that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had been briefed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
We are urging residents, businesses, farmers and municipalities to prepare for severe weather conditions expected across the province from Wednesday, 3 June, to Thursday, 4 June.
According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas, with the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo likely to be most severely affected. The municipalities of Bitou, Knysna and George can expect accumulated rainfall of up to 200 mm. In the Karoo, the Beaufort West Municipality can anticipate between 60 mm and 80 mm of rainfall over the two-day period.
The expected heavy rainfall, combined with the impacts of the severe storms that affected the same regions during May, has contributed to the high Impact-Based Warnings issued by SAWS today. A Level 8 warning has been issued for the eastern parts of the Garden Route, while a Level 4 warning has been issued for the Central Karoo, including Laingsburg and Swellendam.
Such significant rainfall on already saturated ground increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, informal settlements, roads and river catchments. Given the recent rainfall across the province and already saturated catchment areas, there is an elevated risk of rising river levels, dam spillages, infrastructure damage and disruptions to essential services. Rural and farming communities may become isolated if roads are flooded or damaged. Along the coast, rough sea conditions and wave heights of up to five metres are expected, posing a risk to small vessels and coastal activities.
Provincial and municipal disaster management structures have been activated and are monitoring developments closely. Emergency services remain on high alert, municipalities are implementing local readiness plans, humanitarian support partners have been mobilised, and health and rescue services stand ready to respond should the need arise.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take precautionary measures before the storm arrives. Farmers and rural communities are advised to prepare for possible isolation by ensuring sufficient supplies for people and livestock, securing equipment and infrastructure, and moving livestock away from flood-prone areas where necessary.
Please avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and rivers, remain indoors where it is safe to do so, keep emergency contact numbers readily available, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services.
All government facilities and services, including schools, will operate as normal. If this changes, updates will be communicated, based on ongoing assessments of local conditions and risks. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates through official Western Cape Government communication platforms, municipal communication channels and SAWS weather alerts.
Media Enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
079 694 3085
Related News
Roll-out of baboon-proof bins to start as northern fence gets under way
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team is pleased to announce key developments related to the practical implementation of the approved Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP). The Action Plan that guides the practical implementation of the CPBSMP was approved by SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town in November 2025.
Explore the Western Cape for free this Access Week – Nature is for Everyone
A week of free access to some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular natural spaces is on offer this September, as CapeNature opens the gates to selected nature reserves for its 12th annual Access Week. Taking place from 19–25 September 2026 under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, Access Week invites individuals, families and communities to explore participating reserves without paying a conservation entry fee.
CapeNature extends cashless payments to more nature reserves
Building on the success of its initial rollout, CapeNature will extend its cashless payment system to a further five nature reserves in September 2026, in line with its ongoing commitment to service excellence, sustainability and safety. Following the successful transition to cashless payments at Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay nature reserves earlier this year, CapeNature will expand the cashless payment system to reach more visitors across the Western Cape.
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves
From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and