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Read more Western Cape Government Prepares for Midweek Storm

CapeNature (Western Cape Nature Conservation Board)

Official source

Source domain: capenature.co.za

Collected on 28 June 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

This document is a news/media statement dated 3 June 2026 about the Western Cape Government preparing for severe midweek weather. It reports that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was briefed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) about a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and the eastern parts of the Garden Route on Wednesday 3 June and Thursday 4 June. The statement cites expected heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas, provides rainfall expectations for specific municipalities, and notes that disaster management structures and emergency services have been activated and are monitoring. Residents are urged to take precautionary measures, avoid flooded roads/bridges/rivers, and follow local authority and emergency service instructions; government facilities and services (including schools) are expected to operate as normal unless updates are issued.

Facts

Places

George Local Municipality, Western Cape

Key Takeaways

  • Date of statement: 3 Jun 2026
  • Weather system: cut-off low-pressure system
  • Affected areas: Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route
  • Timing: Wednesday 3 June to Thursday 4 June 2026
  • SAWS expected impacts: heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions, rough seas
  • Municipal rainfall (up to 200 mm): Bitou, Knysna, George
  • Municipal rainfall (60–80 mm): Beaufort West
  • SAWS warnings: Level 8 for eastern Garden Route; Level 4 for Central Karoo including Laingsburg and Swellendam
  • Risks mentioned: flooding in low-lying areas, informal settlements, roads and river catchments; rising river levels, dam spillages, infrastructure damage, service disruptions
  • Coastal risk: wave heights up to five metres; risk to small vessels and coastal activities
  • Disaster management: provincial and municipal structures activated; emergency services on high alert; local readiness plans implemented; humanitarian partners mobilised
  • Public guidance: avoid crossing flooded roads/bridges/rivers; remain indoors where safe; keep emergency contacts available; follow instructions
  • Services: all government facilities and services including schools to operate as normal unless updates are communicated
  • Media contact: Wouter Kriel, Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell; 079 694 3085
  • Western Cape Government
  • Provincial Disaster Management Centre
  • South African Weather Service (SAWS)
  • Anton Bredell
  • Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
  • Bitou Municipality
  • Knysna Municipality
  • George Municipality
  • Beaufort West Municipality
  • Laingsburg Municipality
  • Swellendam
  • Wouter Kriel
  • CapeNature

Dates

Closing Date

3 June 2026