Cape Town weather warning: Level 6 storm alert issued as heavy rain and flooding threat grows

South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple severe weather warnings for Cape Town and large parts of the Western Cape as another powerful storm system moves toward the province.

Authorities have warned that a combination of cold fronts and a cut-off low system could bring:

• flooding
• damaging winds
• dangerous sea conditions
• road closures
• possible mudslides

between 9 and 12 May 2026.

Searches linked to:

• Cape Town weather warning
• Level 6 storm
• Western Cape flooding
• Cape Town rain forecast

have surged across Google as residents prepare for worsening conditions.

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Level 6 rain warning issued for Cape Town

SAWS has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall expected to peak on Monday, 11 May.

According to forecasters:

• between 100mm and 150mm of rain is possible
• Cape Town
• the Overberg
• and the Cape Winelands

are expected to be hardest hit.

Authorities warn the heavy rainfall could lead to:

• flooding in formal and informal settlements
• road flooding and closures
• overflowing waterways
• localised mudslides
• rockfalls in wildfire-affected areas

Gale-force winds and dangerous seas expected

A separate Level 6 warning for damaging winds has also been issued from Saturday, 9 May, through Tuesday, 12 May.

The warning affects coastal areas between:

• Table Bay
• and Cape Agulhas

SAWS says residents should expect:

• gale-force winds
• rough sea conditions
• dangerous waves
• possible coastal damage

The conditions are expected to pose serious risks for:

• small vessels
• fishing operations
• beachgoers
• coastal infrastructure

Major Cape Town event cancelled

The severe weather has already disrupted plans across the city.

Organisers confirmed the cancellation of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, which had been scheduled for Sunday, 10 May.

Several CapeNature reserves have also reportedly closed hiking trails and facilities as a precaution.

School closure concerns continue

Approximately 125 schools in the Garden Route and Eden district were closed earlier this week following devastating flooding and storm damage in the region.

Parents in the Cape Metropole are now being urged to monitor updates from the Western Cape Government in case additional school closures are announced if conditions deteriorate further.

Authorities urge residents to prepare now

The City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre has urged residents to take precautions immediately.

Officials recommend:

• clearing gutters and drains
• waterproofing vulnerable structures
• avoiding unnecessary travel
• never driving through flooded roads
• securing loose outdoor items

Emergency numbers:

• Cellphone: 021 480 7700
• Landline: 107

Western Cape already battered by severe storms

The latest warnings come after widespread flooding and storm damage hit parts of the Garden Route earlier this week.

Fatalities, road collapses, flooding and dangerous sea conditions have already been reported across several provinces as the broader storm system continues moving across South Africa.

Authorities remain on high alert as conditions are expected to intensify into Monday.

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