Severe Weather Warning: SAWS Issues Critical Level 8 Alert for Western Cape

The South African Weather Service has issued critical severe weather warnings for parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape as a dangerous cut-off low-pressure system moves across the country.

The warning comes as “severe weather” continues trending across South Africa, with growing concerns over flash flooding, mudslides, rising river levels and major travel disruptions.

While Cape Town is expected to see a mix of sunshine and cloud cover, surrounding regions face significantly more dangerous conditions.

ALSO READ: Eden and Central Karoo schools close as heavy rain lashes region

SAWS Issues Orange Level 8 Warning as Deadly Cold Front Hits South Africa

SAWS issues Orange Level 8 warning for Garden Route

SAWS has activated an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rain affecting eastern parts of the Garden Route.

Forecasters warn that torrential downpours between 120mm and 200mm are expected in some areas, creating an extremely high flood risk.

Authorities say the storm system could trigger:

• flash flooding
• overflowing rivers
• mudslides
• infrastructure damage
• road closures
• flooding of homes and settlements

Emergency services are closely monitoring flood-prone regions as rainfall intensifies.

Yellow Level 4 warning for Central Karoo and Swellendam

A Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain has also been issued for parts of the Central Karoo and Swellendam Municipality.

Affected areas include:

• Beaufort West
• Laingsburg
• Swellendam
• surrounding interior regions

Rainfall totals between 50mm and 90mm are expected.

SAWS warns that already saturated ground conditions from previous storms increase the danger of flooding and infrastructure damage.

Very cold and windy conditions expected

Alongside the heavy rainfall, SAWS has issued a weather advisory for very cold and windy conditions across parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

Officials warn the combination of persistent rain, low temperatures and strong winds could worsen conditions for vulnerable communities and travellers.

Mountain passes and low-lying roads remain especially at risk.

Cape Town avoids worst of storm system

Although the broader province faces severe warnings, Cape Town itself is currently expected to avoid the worst impacts of the system.

The Mother City is forecast to experience:

• periods of sunshine
• cloudy intervals
• cooler temperatures
• isolated showers

However, weather experts caution conditions may still change quickly depending on the movement of the cut-off low system.

What is a cut-off low-pressure system?

A cut-off low is a slow-moving weather system known for producing prolonged rainfall, severe storms and cold weather outbreaks.

These systems are responsible for some of South Africa’s most destructive winter weather events, particularly across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

Because they move slowly, rainfall can accumulate rapidly over several days, significantly increasing flood risks.

Residents urged to stay alert

Authorities are urging residents in affected regions to:

• avoid flooded roads and bridges
• delay unnecessary travel
• monitor official SAWS updates
• prepare for possible flooding disruptions
• remain cautious near rivers and mountain areas

Motorists travelling through the Garden Route and Karoo regions have also been advised to monitor road conditions carefully.

The bottom line

SAWS warns that the current severe weather system could bring dangerous flooding and major disruption across parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape over the coming days.

With severe weather rapidly trending across South Africa, officials are urging residents to remain alert and take warnings seriously.

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