A severe Cape Storm in the Western Cape has led to significant damage and emergency responses across the region.
Watch: Cape Storm incidents caught on camera
The storm’s severity was caught on camera on Sunday, in Paarl, where footage shows substantial environmental and structural damage.
Local authorities have confirmed the closure of all schools in the Overberg, Cape Winelands, and Helderberg (Somerset) regions for safety.
Here is the list of schools that will be closed on Monday, 8 April 2023:
| 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 |
The videos also document instances of wind and fire devastation in Stellenbosch, where historical structures like the 300-year-old Blaauwklippen Manor House and Jonkershuis were destroyed, and Dorp Street’s iconic oak trees were severely damaged.
Here are some of the videos of the Cape Storm:
Cape Town weather forecast for Monday, 8 April 2024
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 impact-based warning for disruptive rain effective from midnight to 23:59 on Monday, 8 April 2024/
This warning predicts widespread flooding and damage across multiple municipalities including Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, Breede Valley, and Langeberg.
The forecast anticipates rainfall amounts of 100-150 mm, which may be exacerbated by the region’s topography, enhancing the orographic effect and potentially leading to higher levels of precipitation than currently forecasted.
The soil, already saturated from previous rains, is expected to worsen the situation, leading to more extensive flooding and damage.
Authorities urge the public to exercise caution. Residents should avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams, move valuables to higher levels within homes, and switch off electricity if flooding occurs.
Motorists are advised to be particularly vigilant on the roads and follow any updates from local disaster management teams.
In addition to the storm’s immediate impacts, the Cape Town International Airport reports that flight operations are currently not affected, maintaining a 94% on-time departure rate.
However, travellers are advised to stay updated through their respective airlines due to the evolving nature of the storm.