A severe weather event, known as the Cape Storm, has triggered extensive precautionary measures in the Western Cape.
Due to expected disruptions, authorities have announced closures of schools and key roads to ensure public safety.
Cape Storm schools closed on Monday, 8 April 2024
In anticipation of severe weather impacts, the Western Cape Education Department has ordered the closure of all schools in the Overberg, Cape Winelands, and Helderberg regions for Monday, 8 April 2024.
The decision aims to safeguard students, staff, and families from the severe disruptions caused by the storm.
Schools will remain closed for the entire day, and further updates will be communicated as the situation develops.
| School Name | School Name |
|---|---|
| ACJ PHAKADE PS | ALTENA PS |
| NOMZAMO HS | NOMZAMO PS |
| BEAUMONT PS | CHRISTMAS TINTO PS |
| DANIE ACKERMANN PS | DE HOOP PS |
| DR. G.J. JOUBERT PS | FALSE BAY PS |
| FIRGROVE PS | GORDON HS |
| GORDONS BAY PS | HENDRIK LOUW PS |
| HELDERBERG LAERSKOOL | HOTTENTOTS-HOLLAND HS |
| KHANYOLWETHU SS | LOCHNERHOF PS |
| LORETO PS | LWANDLE HS |
| MACASSAR PS | MACASSAR SS |
| MARVIN PARK PS | OKLAHOMASTRAAT PS |
| PAREL VALLEI HS | RUSTHOF PS |
| RUSTHOF SS | RUSTHOF SKOOL |
| SILUKHANYO PS | SIMANYENE SS |
| SIR LOWRY’S PASS PS | SOLOMON GATYANA PS |
| SOMERSET WEST METH PS | SOMERSET WEST PS |
| ST. PAUL’S PS | STRAND HOOR HS |
| STRAND MOSLEM PS | STRAND SS |
| UMNQOPHISO PS | TEMPERANCE TOWN PS |
| ZANDVLET SS |
Roads motorists should avoid
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 impact-based warning, highlighting the potential for disruptive rain and flooding throughout the region.
Due to the severe conditions, several major roads have been closed, and motorists are strongly advised to avoid the following routes:
- Huguenot Tunnel: Closed due to safety risks from high winds and potential flooding.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive: Closed, as the coastal road is susceptible to severe storm surges and landslides.
- Baden Powell Drive: Closed due to its proximity to water bodies that are likely to overflow.
- R44 Clarence Drive: Closed, given its vulnerability to rockfalls and mudslides in heavy rain.
- Glencairn Main Road: Closed due to a fire exacerbated by storm conditions.
Authorities urge motorists to heed these closures and plan alternate routes. They also recommend avoiding unnecessary travel during the storm’s peak to minimise risk.