Eden and Central Karoo brace for flooding as schools close across Garden Route

South African Weather Service has issued multiple high-level weather warnings for the Eden District, Garden Route and Central Karoo as severe rain, flooding and damaging winds continue battering parts of the Western Cape.

Schools have now been closed across several high-risk areas while authorities warn that flooding, dangerous road conditions and infrastructure damage could worsen through Thursday, 7 May 2026.

The warnings come as online searches for the “Eden Central Karoo weather warning” surge across South Africa.

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Orange Level 8 warning issued for Eden District and Garden Route

SAWS has issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rain over the eastern parts of the Garden Route and Eden District.

Forecasters warn that persistent heavy downpours could lead to:

• widespread flooding
• dangerous driving conditions
• damage to roads and infrastructure
• displacement of affected communities
• localised service disruptions

An additional Orange Level 6 warning remains active for disruptive rain across the Central Karoo, Kannaland and Hessequa municipalities.

Low-lying areas, informal settlements, bridges and flood-prone roads remain at particularly high risk.

The Eden District remains one of the highest-risk regions as the intense cut-off low pressure system moves across the province.

Damaging winds and massive waves expected along coast

The storm system is also expected to bring dangerous coastal conditions across large parts of the Western Cape coastline.

An Orange Level 6 warning for damaging winds and waves has been issued between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay.

Swells between 10 and 12 metres are expected in some coastal regions.

A Yellow Level 4 warning for damaging winds is also active across the Garden Route and Central Karoo.

Officials warn that strong winds could:

• damage structures
• uproot trees
• disrupt transport routes
• affect power infrastructure
• impact coastal harbours and ports

Residents are being urged to stay away from shorelines and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm period.

Schools closed in George, Knysna and Oudtshoorn

The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed temporary school closures across several high-risk circuits for Wednesday and Thursday.

Affected areas include:

George

• Circuits 3 and 8

Knysna

• Circuit 4

Oudtshoorn

• Circuits 5 and 6

Learner transport services in these regions have also been suspended due to safety concerns linked to flooding and dangerous road conditions.

Emergency numbers and support resources

Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to keep emergency contact details readily available as the storm system intensifies.

Emergency contact numbers

Sandbags, shelters and emergency assistance

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to prepare early.

Sandbag collection

In George, residents can collect sand for sandbags at the George Fire Department via the Mitchell Street entrance.

Residents in other areas are advised to contact local municipal fire departments regarding availability.

Emergency shelter assistance

Municipalities may activate community halls and temporary shelters where needed.

In George, residents requiring emergency housing support or plastic sheeting assistance can contact:

• Harriet Meyer: 044 802 2026
• Joint Operations Centre (after hours): 044 801 6316

Mossel Bay residents can also access assistance through The Haven Night Shelter on Matfield Street if necessary.

Major road closures and high-risk areas

Several dangerous roads and bridges have already been affected by severe weather conditions.

George

High-risk flooding areas include:

• CJ Langenhoven Street
• Wellington Street
• Cradock Street
• Hope Street

Road closures

• Seven Passes Road is closed due to a sinkhole
• Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna is closed due to flooding and rockfalls

Oudtshoorn

All low-lying bridges in the area are currently closed due to heavy river flow.

Authorities are warning motorists not to attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges under any circumstances.

Why this weather system matters

The latest warnings come as an intense cut-off low pressure system impacts parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

Weather experts warn that prolonged rainfall, gale-force winds and dangerous sea conditions could create major disruptions over the next 48 hours.

With flooding risks increasing across the Eden District and Central Karoo, authorities are closely monitoring conditions as the storm intensifies.

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