The South African Weather Service has warned that a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 June. In response, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced the closure of all schools in the Eden and Central Karoo education district for both days.

What to expect from the storm

The weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold conditions and rough seas. Between 150 mm and 200 mm of rainfall is forecast across the Bitou, Knysna and George municipalities, while Beaufort West municipality can expect between 50 mm and 90 mm.

Schools to close for two days

The closure affects all public ordinary and special needs schools in the Eden and Central Karoo education district. Affected schools have received official notice from the head of department and have been requested to inform parents. The WCED emphasised that its default position is to keep schools open, closing them only in exceptional circumstances, but noted the severity of the warnings. All schools are expected to reopen on Friday 5 June.

All other schools in the Western Cape will remain open unless specific approval for closure has been granted on a case-by-case basis.

Safety advice for residents

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take precautionary measures before the storm arrives. Farmers and rural communities should 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. The public is urged never to enter flooded streams or rivers.

Emergency services on standby

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 if needed.

The situation will be continuously monitored. If any further individual school closures become necessary after Thursday, parents of affected schools will be notified directly.

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