Several schools in parts of the Western Cape will temporarily shut their doors as authorities prepare for a powerful storm system expected to hit the region. The Western Cape Department of Education has confirmed that all schools in George, Knysna, and Oudtshoorn will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the anticipated extreme weather conditions.
The decision comes as municipalities in the Garden Route and Little Karoo brace for a Level 8 storm surge forecast to begin on Tuesday evening and continue through to Thursday. Disaster management officials have warned that the storm could bring between 100mm and 200mm of rainfall, accompanied by gale-force winds and dangerously high sea swells, raising concerns about flooding, infrastructure damage, and risks to public safety.
Education authorities say the safety of learners, teachers, and school staff remains their top priority. Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier explained that the closures were not taken lightly but were necessary under the circumstances. He confirmed that affected schools have already received official communication from the department and have been instructed to inform parents and guardians accordingly.
Maynier emphasised that schools will generally remain open across the rest of the province, unless specific approval for closure has been granted. He noted that the department’s standard approach is to keep schools operational wherever possible, only opting for closures in exceptional situations where safety cannot be guaranteed.
Meanwhile, emergency services in Johannesburg are also preparing for changing weather conditions, although the focus there is on cold temperatures rather than storms. The city’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has placed all seven regions on high alert as colder weather is expected from Tuesday through Wednesday.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi has urged residents to exercise caution, particularly when using heating devices. He warned that appliances such as heaters and paraffin stoves can pose serious fire risks if not used responsibly. Residents are advised not to leave such devices unattended while in operation, as this could lead to preventable fire incidents.
Mulaudzi reassured the public that emergency teams are actively monitoring the situation across the city and are prepared to respond to any incidents that may arise. He encouraged residents to report any life-threatening emergencies immediately by contacting the EMS Command and Control Centre.
Across the country, weather authorities have been issuing warnings about a range of severe conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, snowfall in some areas, and potential flooding. Municipalities and disaster management teams have been urged to remain vigilant and ensure that response plans are in place.
As the storm approaches the Western Cape, residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed through official updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as conditions develop.
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