Garden Route weather warning update: Flooding, deaths and road closures continue

South Africa’s severe weather crisis continues escalating as heavy rain, flooding and dangerous winds batter multiple provinces, leaving several people dead and widespread damage in their wake.

The South African Weather Service has warned of disruptive rainfall, severe flooding, dangerous storm surges and damaging winds as the powerful weather system moves across the country.

According to reports shared by eNCA, the Western Cape and Eastern Cape are expected to be the hardest hit, with conditions forecast to peak on Wednesday and continue into Thursday.

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Multiple deaths confirmed across South Africa

Authorities have confirmed multiple storm-related deaths across several provinces as emergency teams continue responding to flood rescues, collapsing infrastructure and dangerous weather conditions.

In Knysna, 37-year-old Lauren Fredericks died on Wednesday morning after a large tree collapsed onto her vehicle on Main Road.

Fredericks, a social worker for the Department of Social Development, was reportedly on her way to assist evacuated residents during the severe weather event.

According to local authorities, heavy rainfall and strong winds destabilised trees across the region, increasing the risk of collapse.

In Bonnievale, two people died after the vehicle they were travelling in overturned in floodwaters on Wednesday night.

Emergency services are continuing search and rescue operations in several flooded areas.

Authorities also confirmed two more storm-related deaths in the Northern Cape as heavy rainfall continued affecting parts of the province.

In the North West province, a 12-year-old girl was swept away by floodwaters earlier this week during severe rainfall.

Garden Route remains under severe pressure

The Garden Route continues experiencing widespread flooding, dangerous road conditions and infrastructure failures despite some weather warnings being downgraded.

More than 200mm of rain has already fallen in parts of:

• Knysna
• Plettenberg Bay
• George

leaving the ground heavily saturated and increasing the risk of:

• mudslides
• flash floods
• falling trees
• road collapses
• structural failures

Authorities have warned motorists not to attempt crossing flooded roads or bridges under any circumstances.

One of the most serious infrastructure failures remains the massive sinkhole that forced the closure of Seven Passes Road near Saasveld.

Meiringspoort also remains closed due to flooding.

Several roads in George, including CJ Langenhoven Road, Wellington Street and Cradock Street, have experienced severe flooding or road damage.

Schools, trails and coastal areas affected

Public schools across:

• George
• Knysna
• Oudtshoorn

remain closed as authorities continue assessing safety risks.

Several hiking and cycling trails in the Knysna and Tsitsikamma regions, including sections of the famous Otter Trail, have also been temporarily closed.

Coastal areas remain dangerous as wave heights between 5 and 8 metres continue affecting parts of the Southern Cape coastline, including Victoria Bay.

Strong winds between 50km/h and 80km/h continue posing risks of:

• falling trees
• flying debris
• power outages
• coastal damage

SAWS warns dangerous weather will continue

The South African Weather Service says severe weather conditions are expected to continue through Thursday before gradually easing toward Friday.

However, officials warn that saturated ground conditions mean flooding and infrastructure risks will likely remain even after rainfall subsides.

Residents are being urged to:

• avoid unnecessary travel
• stay away from flooded roads and rivers
• avoid parking under trees
• monitor official weather updates
• report emergencies immediately

Emergency contacts:

• Garden Route Disaster Management: 044 805 5071
• George Municipality Emergency Line: 044 801 6300

Emergency services remain on high alert as the storm system continues moving across parts of the country.

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