Western Cape authorities have issued a fresh evening road closure update as severe weather continues to affect the Garden Route, Central Karoo and other parts of the province, with officials warning that heavy rainfall, saturated ground and damaged roads could still create dangerous travel conditions overnight.
UPDATE: 93 Residents Evacuated Along Garden Route
Authorities have confirmed that 93 people from De Rust and Welgeluk have been evacuated as heavy rain continues to batter the Garden Route.
The evacuees are being housed at Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support services remain in place while emergency teams monitor rising rivers, flooded roads and vulnerable low-lying areas.
The Groot River Dam is reported to be overflowing for the first time this year after sustained rainfall over the past 24 hours. River systems across the district remain under close watch, including the Keurbooms, Knysna, Great Brak, Kandelaars and Olifants rivers.
Localised flooding has been reported in parts of the district. Authorities are also monitoring flooded low-water bridges, overflowing river crossings, landslides, rockfalls and pooling water on major routes.
Rockfalls have been reported in several locations, including sections of the N12 and roads serving communities near Nature’s Valley and Wittedrift.
Power interruptions have also affected several Garden Route communities, including Harkerville, Covie, Sedgefield and Karatara, with repair teams working to restore supply where conditions allow.
Motorists are again urged not to cross flooded roads or low-water bridges. Water levels can rise quickly, and conditions may become life-threatening within minutes.
Emergency services remain activated and on high alert as weather conditions continue to change.
Update source: Cape Town Etc – Cameron Kelly.
The Western Cape Government published its latest storm-related road closure update at 5 pm on Wednesday, with district updates listed for the Overberg, West Coast, Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Garden Route.
The update follows an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall in the eastern parts of the Garden Route and a Level 4 warning for the Central Karoo, including Laingsburg and Swellendam.
Provincial disaster management officials have warned that the latest weather system is affecting areas already weakened by severe storms during May. That increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, informal settlements, roads and river catchments.
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said earlier this week that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had been briefed by the South African Weather Service about a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern Garden Route.
According to the Western Cape Government, the system could bring heavy rain, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas. Bitou, Knysna and George were expected to be among the municipalities most affected, with possible accumulated rainfall of up to 200 mm in parts of the Garden Route. Beaufort West was expected to receive between 60 mm and 80 mm over the two-day period.
The province warned that saturated catchments could lead to rising river levels, dam spillages, damaged infrastructure and disruption to essential services. Rural and farming communities may also become temporarily isolated if access roads are flooded or damaged.
Coastal areas remain a concern, with rough sea conditions and wave heights of up to five metres expected during the weather event. Small vessels and coastal activities are considered at risk.
Provincial and municipal disaster management structures have been activated. Emergency services remain on high alert, while municipalities are implementing local readiness plans. Humanitarian support partners, health services and rescue teams have also been placed on standby.
Capetonians and Western Cape travellers heading towards the Garden Route or Central Karoo are urged to check official road updates before departure. Motorists should avoid flooded roads, bridges and river crossings, and should not attempt to drive through fast-flowing water.
Anyone in affected areas should keep emergency numbers close, follow instructions from local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel overnight.
Q&A
What is the latest official update?
The Western Cape Government issued a 5 pm road closure update on Wednesday covering several districts, including the Garden Route and Central Karoo.
Which areas are most at risk?
The eastern Garden Route, including Bitou, Knysna and George, is under the highest warning level. Parts of the Central Karoo, including Laingsburg and Swellendam, are also under warning.
Why is this storm more dangerous?
Authorities say the same regions were already affected by severe storms during May. Saturated ground and stressed river systems increase the risk of flooding and road damage.
Should people travel tonight?
Travellers should avoid unnecessary trips through affected areas and check official road closure notices before leaving. Flooded roads and low-water bridges should not be crossed.
SAI Search Summary
The Western Cape Government has issued a fresh storm-related road closure update as severe weather continues across the Garden Route, Central Karoo and other parts of the province. The eastern Garden Route remains under an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall, while parts of the Central Karoo remain under a Level 4 warning. Authorities have warned of flooding, damaged roads, rising rivers, rough seas and possible isolation of rural communities. Disaster management teams and emergency services remain on alert.
Cape Town News is tracking this as a breaking public safety update.
Source: Western Cape Government, Department of Local Government statement by Anton Bredell, Western Cape Department of Infrastructure road closure update, and South African Weather Service warning information carried by the Western Cape Government.
