WRAP | Chapman's Peak Drive reopens after severe weather

Wind speeds of 135km/h recorded during Western Cape storm

Wind speeds during the recent storm in the Western Cape clocked more than 135km/h.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said the highest wind speed was recorded at Cape Point on Sunday, measuring 135.72km/h.

SAWS senior forecaster Lauren Smith added that 116.64km/h was recorded in Slangkop and Kommetjie, while 115.2km/h was recorded at the Molteno Reservoir in Cape Town.

Gift of the Givers provides aid to 400 Garden Route families

The Gift of the Givers has extended its operations in the Garden Route following heavy rains and flooding.

The relief will focus on families severely affected by the recent rains in the Oudtshoorn and Kannaland municipalities, said Gift of the Givers operations manager Ali Sablay.

Sablay estimated that around 400 families are in need of relief. Aid has also been airlifted to families in areas such as Gamkaskloof and Fonteinplaas, which have been cut off by flooding.

– Nicole McCain

Chapman's Peak Drive reopens after severe weather

Chapman's Peak Drive has reopened following strong winds and heavy rains in Cape Town.

The road was closed at the weekend when a storm lashed the city.

A number of roads remain closed in other parts of the province, including the Buffeljagsrivier Bridge in the Overberg and Swartberg Pass in the Central Karoo.

Arniston Road remains closed due to flooding at Nacht Wacht Bridge.

Among the routes reopened to motorists are Clarence Drive (R44) between Gordon's Bay and Rooi-Els, the Outeniqua Pass in the Garden Route.

- Nicole McCain

Damaging wind, waves forecast for KZN

A Yellow level 2 warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service for damaging wind and waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

The severe weather is likely to lead to disruptions of beachfront activities and activities at harbours and ports.

– Nicole McCain

Arniston Road in Cape Agulhas municipality remains closed to motorists - mayor

The Cape Agulhas district municipality says Arniston Road remains closed.

On Tuesday, it decided to stop traffic flow on the road due to severe flooding and rising water levels.

By Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Paul Swart said that despite the water levels along the Arniston road gradually decreasing, teams continued to monitor the situation closely to ensure the road reopens soon to traffic.

"There is another access road from Bredasdorp to Arniston," said Swart.

He added that the detour route via Prinskraal Road to Arniston is "fully accessible and operational".

"This alternative route ensures the community remains connected and accessible, mitigating the impact of the Arniston road closure," said Swart.

He said the Struisbaai road between Bredasdorp is also experiencing flooding.

"Despite this, the Struisbaai road has not been closed to traffic as the water levels have not reached a critical level yet," said Swart.

"Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our community members and urge residents to exercise caution and adhere to any road closure notices and safety advisories issued by local authorities."

- Lisalee Solomons

Twelve people may need to be evacuated in Garden Route - Bredell

A dozen people are reported in need of evacuation in the Garden Route, following flooding. According to Anton Bredell, MEC Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Gamkaskloof is still flooded, with reports of a total of 12 people possibly needing evacuation

.However, water has been subsiding gradually, Bredell added.

"The Gamkapoort Dam, which reached a highpoint of 154% late last night, has already dropped to 146% early this morning. There will be focus today on evaluating the conditions of the Matjiesvlei and Huisrivier area, also with the possibility of some people being cut off from main access routes," he added.

-Nicole McCain

Western Cape considers disaster declaration following storm

Western Cape authorities are planning to approach the National Disaster Management Centre for a disaster classification, which is the first step in applying for additional funding to repair damages.

Premier Alan Winde said that response efforts in the Western Cape have shifted humanitarian work, which includes identifying people who lost their shelter and access to basic amenities during the storm.

Winde added that municipalities will now start with damage assessments with the support of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and relevant government departments.

– Nicole McCain

Western Cape residents warned of rockfalls and mudslides in the wake of storm

Rock falls and mudslides will "remain a real danger" for the next week or more following a storm in the Western Cape. The province has embarked on mopping-up operations in the wake of heavy rain and flooding earlier this week.

A number of Western Cape secondary roads and low-level river crossings are still flooded, Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said.

"Although the extreme weather is over, the public is asked to please be aware of potentially dangerous conditions in large parts of the province," Bredell said.

– Nicole McCain

Relief issued to 275 families after flooding in George informal settlements

George Municipality has issued emergency shelter materials to 275 families whose homes in informal settlements were damaged by the floods, with more requests for temporary relief being considered.

The municipality said that mop-up operations are ongoing following floods in parts of George, caused by the torrential downpours. 

- Nicole McCain

Roads reopen after flooding, severe weather

Clarence Drive (R44) between Gordon's Bay and Rooi-Els has reopened to traffic following severe weather earlier this week. However, motorists have been urged to proceed with caution when using the road.

The Outeniqua Pass in the Garden Route has also been reopened.

Due to the severe weather, several roads in the Western Cape remain closed, including those in the Overberg and Cape Winelands. Among them are Buffeljagsrivier Bridge in the Overberg and Chapman's Peak in Cape Town.

- Nicole McCain

Cape of deadly storms: Treacherous rescue operation recovers woman's body in Wemmershoek mountains

A woman's body has been recovered in from the mountains in the Wemmershoek area, between Paarl and Franschhoek, after she fell during the storm on Sunday evening.

Rescue teams faced a marathon operation to recover the body in severe weather conditions.

Wilderness Search And Rescue responded to a distress call on Sunday evening after a team of professionals clearing alien vegetation reported that one of their members had fallen.

The group was descending from their remote camp in the mountains surrounding the Wemmershoek Dam to avoid the worst of the storm.

Warning for wind and waves in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal

A weather warning is in place for the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow level 2 warning for damaging wind and waves leading to disruption of beachfront activities, as well as harbour and port activities. 

The areas between Kei Mouth on the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast and St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal are expected to be affected.

– Nicole McCain

More than 400 callouts for George officials

George Mayco member for Community Safety Marais Kruger said George Municipality had received more than 400 callouts due to the storm, many of them to deal with stormwater blockages. 

He added that the municipality has also been very busy distributing sandbags and intervening to prevent further flooding.

Wet and cold conditions are expected to persist over the next few days, but no further extreme rainfall is expected.

George Disaster Management Services remains on standby to attend to any emergencies.

- Nicole McCain

WATCH | Cape of storms: Roof flies off Strand family's home, lands in road

"Please, God, no more rain. Our home has been damaged enough. We just want a roof over our heads."

So said Deirdre Roode, 37, whose four-bedroomed home in Strand, the Western Cape, was extensively damaged in the raging storm of the last few days that blew the roof off and flooded the family's entire home. 

Howling winds saw the roof being ripped off and landing in the middle of the road; in front of their neighbour's house.

"No one can prepare you for this damage. Our entire home inside is damaged; we haven't had a proper night's rest since late Saturday night," said Roode. 

On Tuesday morning, when News24 visited the family home, at least five building contractors could be seen drilling, chopping, and cutting roof-building material.

Cape Town monitors high-risk areas as storm moves to Garden Route and Karoo

While mop-up operations are under way in Cape Town, authorities are monitoring high-risk areas after the storm that swept through the Western Cape.

The City of Cape Town's spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, said: "The city is currently busy with clean-up operations across the metropole, with teams attending to critical infrastructure repair work."

On Tuesday, Premier Alan Winde said the weather conditions in Cape Town, Overberg and Winelands were dissipating faster than anticipated. 

"Of course, really good news, and it will be followed by mop-up operations.

"But now, it [the storm] has moved towards the Garden Route and Karoo regions... we need to make sure that we are being careful there," he said. 

Power outages continue across Western Cape, Eskom says

Multiple areas across the Western Cape are still without electricity due to faults resulting from the weekend storm.

Eskom said the affected areas include parts of Beaufort West, Kraaifontein, Kylemore, Lynedoch, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West and Stellenbosch.

"The estimated times for the restoration of electricity to these areas have not yet been determined. Technicians are attending to the faults, but it should be noted that the amount of faults due to the storms has left a significant backlog that our response teams are working through," Eskom said.

- Nicole McCain

The City of Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink has called on motorists and pedestrians to avoid flooded roads.

Following heavy rains, several roads and low-lying bridges were flooded in the capital city. Emergency services have already responded to several incidents and assisted residents in difficult situations due to the weather conditions, Brink said.

Earlier on Monday, a team rescued a female driver who was trapped on a flooded road by the low-lying bridge at Rabie and End Street in Centurion.

"In another incident today, flooding was reported in Soshanguve near Soutpan Road where a resident was stuck in a flooded informal dwelling. The incident was attended to by Gauteng EMS, who rescued the elderly resident into the care of family members," Brink said.

Brink pleaded with residents to be on high alert and exercise caution during difficult weather conditions.

"It is important that motorists and pedestrians do not try and cross flooded roads and bridges. Use alternative routes, be patient and put your safety first. This is very important as the South African Weather Service has predicted above-average rainfall for today."

"I want to thank our emergency services teams and our provincial and private emergency services partners for their assistance during rescue missions and working together to save lives," Brink added.

- Alex Mitchley

Western Cape schools to reopen on Wednesday

All Western Cape schools will be open on Wednesday, Education MEC David Maynier has said.

Schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands were closed on Tuesday due to the storm.

"There may be schools that request closure due to severe infrastructure damage or inaccessibility. This will be considered by the Department on a case-by-case basis through the normal procedures for requesting school closure. Schools with the necessary permission to close will communicate directly with parents," said Maynier.

He said that 144 schools had reported damage. The reports ranged from minor issues, such as leaks and fallen trees, to serious damage, like missing roof panels.

"Our contractors are assessing damages and have already started with repairs at some of the schools," Maynier said. 

– Nicole McCain

Garden Route dams full and overflowing after heavy rainfall

Wilderness received more than 160mm of rain in 24 hours, the Garden Route District Municipality has said.

George Tierkop recorded 158mm, and Mossel Bay 102mm. The heavy rain has caused dam levels to rise very quickly.

As of midday, the Wolwedans Dam was overflowing, Duiwenhoks was at 125% and Garden Route 100%. Calitzdorp Dam was 95% full.

– Nicole McCain

City of Johannesburg remains on high alert

Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Muluadzi says no incidents have been reported so far. 

Emergency Services is still pleading with Johannesburg residents, mostly in low-lying areas, to exercise caution and avoid crossing river streams when conducting their daily activities.

He also said motorists are still encouraged to exercise caution, extend the safe following distance, and avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges.

-  Iviwe Mzandisi

Somerset Mall reopens after storm devastation

It was business as usual at the popular Somerset Mall on Tuesday after the heavy winds ripped off some parts of the building towers.

The mall was closed off to the public on Sunday and Monday following the disruptive weather.

Mall management said their main concern was the safety of shoppers.

The mall took the executive decision to close the mall to prevent any further damage.

No injuries have been reported and their teams were doing maintainance checks to make sure all loose sheets are secured.

- Lisalee Solomons

(Photo: Chelsea Ogilvie/News24)

George begins mop-up operations after heavy flooding

The George Municipality has started mop-up operations following floods in parts of the town as a result of "torrential downpours" on Monday night.

"The rain has subsided quite considerably; however, the George Disaster Management Services continue to advise members of the public to please drive with extreme caution," the municipality said in a statement.

The municipality said that parts of the town saw in excess of 100mm of rain in 24 hours and that the Garden Route Dam is overflowing. Flooding has been reported at numerous homes in the municipality, as well as at the Wilderness Civils Depot and Water Treatment Works.

"Although the rainfall has decreased considerably, the George Disaster Management Services remain on standby to attend to any emergencies. The Municipality continues to monitor weather developments, and the public will be updated via George Municipal Social Media Channels," the municipality said.

– Nicole McCain

(Photo: George Municipality)

130 schools damaged by Cape weather

More than 130 Western Cape schools have reported damage following storms, Premier Alan Winde said during an update on the impact of severe weather in the province.

He said that while schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands education districts remained closed on Tuesday, schools in the Helderberg basin had reopened.

"The Western Cape Department of Education will make a decision later today as to whether further closures will be needed in the coming days," he said.

– Nicole McCain

George receives 100mm of rain in 24 hours, becomes focus of disaster interventions

In an update on the impact of severe weather in the Western Cape, Premier Alan Winde said that conditions have stabilised in western parts of the province, but there is heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Garden Route.

Winde said that the dams in the Garden Route district are filling up rapidly or are already overflowing.

George has received more than 100mm of rain over 24 hours.

"Our top priority remains protecting lives in areas which are now receiving high rainfall.

"In regions where the weather system has now passed, we will focus our efforts on mop-up and humanitarian aid operations, with help from municipalities and NGOs," said Winde.

- Nicole McCain

Mossel Bay river floods, making some areas inaccessible

The Mossel Bay Municipality has warned that the Moordkuil River has flooded.

The flooding has made areas such as Botlierskop inaccessible. The municipality has warned motorists to avoid the area. 

– Nicole McCain

The City of Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management officials are monitoring high-risk areas and determining the need for humanitarian and engineering relief where impacts have been reported.

At least 28 incidents have been listed in areas where structural damage occurred due to the wind, including Delft, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Blue Downs, Somerset West, Northpine, Sir Lowry's Pass, Monwabisi and commercial properties in Strand.

At this stage, the number of structures affected – subject to more detailed assessment – is 2 779.

Reports of flooding were received in Gaba Village (Leonsdale/Epping area), 12 structures in Empolweni, Khayelitsha and approximately 400 structures in Monwabisi.

- Marvin Charles

Almost all low-lying bridges in Gauteng are flooded, say Emergency Services

Gauteng Emergency Services deputy director JP Von Benecke told News24 on Tuesday morning: "Across the province, almost all the low-lying bridges are flooded".

"Just hoping and praying that common sense will prevail and that nobody else will drive into these water bodies."

Von Benecke said that they had attended two incidents so far on Tuesday.

"We had one car that went into the water in Centurion. The lady was also successfully rescued now."

They undertook another rescue in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, of an elderly woman with a chronic condition and an amputated leg who had been stuck in a flooded shack.

"She was safely taken out of the shack and taken to hospital and treated for hypothermia," he said. 

- Iviwe Mzandini

80 turtle hatchlings left stranded after storm

Over 80 loggerhead turtle hatchlings were rescued from beaches around the Western Cape, following storms in the province on the weekend.

In a social media post, the Two Oceans Aquarium said that the turtles were on their way to the  Turtle Conservation Centre for immediate care.

The Aquarium called on beachgoers to be on alert for stranded hatchlings.

Capetonians can also donate cleaned, empty ice cream containers at the Two Oceans Aquarium front desk. These containers will be used to isolate the hatchlings during their initial period of intensive care.

- Nicole McCain

(Photo: Two Oceans Aquarium)

Severe weather causes key road closures

A number of roads have been closed in the Western Cape due to severe weather.

George Disaster Management Services said the Outeniqua Pass has been closed to motorists due to excess water on the road surface.

 Traffic officials are stationed at the entrances from George and Oudtshoorn side.

In Cape Town, Clarence Drive (R44) to Gordon's Bay and Rooi Els remains closed. Chapman's Peak also remains closed.

- Nicole McCain

Pretoria woman rescued from vehicle trapped in flood water 

Pretoria emergency services have rescued a woman trapped in a vehicle in flood water.

Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Deputy Chief Charles Mabaso said that the woman had become trapped in rising water in Rabie Street, Centurion.

He added that emergency services had evacuated the woman from the vehicle.

Officials have also responded to reports of flooding reported in Soshanguve.

Reports indicate that one person could be trapped inside a flooded shack, he said.

– Nicole McCain

(Photo: Tshwane EMS)

Multiple train routes suspended due to weather

Multiple train lines have been impacted by severe weather, said Metrorail.

The Southern Line has been worse affected, with Metrorail still working to fix the line after a concrete mass pole fell off at Fish Hoek, a distribution line broke off from the suspension, and the signal supply transmission lines were affected by trees touching the line.

Metrorail said on Tuesday that the Fish Hoek train service will terminate at Retreat, and the shuttle train service between Fish Hoek/Simon's Town remains suspended.

In addition, the Strand/Stellenbosch/Eerste River train service remains suspended.

– Nicole McCain

Weather warnings in place for Western Cape, Eastern Cape

Weather warnings remain in place for parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain that may lead to flooding of settlements, roads, and low-lying bridges over the Garden Route and eastern parts of the Overberg district municipality. 

The warning extends to parts of North West, Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, which may also experience disruptive rain.

In the Eastern Cape, a Yellow Level 2 warning has been issued for disruptive rain in the Koukamma, Kouga, Sundays River, and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro municipalities.

– Nicole McCain

Southern Cape gears up for more heavy rain

The George Municipality's Disaster Management on Tuesday morning warned that more heavy rains are expected.

The downpours are expected to peak between 06:00 and 08:00.

The Municipality warned that some areas might experience flooding, including streets in the George Central Business District, and urged the public to be cautious and drive slowly and, where possible, delay their commute.

"George Disaster Management Services are on standby to attend to any emergencies. The Municipality continues to monitor weather developments," the statement said.

- Nicole McCain

WATCH | Misery and despair: Western Cape deals with aftermath of devastating storm, fires

A trail of destruction was left in the wake of a colossal storm that swept through parts of the Western Cape.

Communities are grappling with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and relentless winds, which left hundreds of people homeless, as well as uprooted trees, devastating fires and power outages in several areas.

On Monday, residents in affected areas started doing their own repairs after strong winds blew the roofs off their homes. 

PICS | Cape Town storms: Devastating two days as extreme weather destroys properties

Residents of Cape Town and surrounding are reeling from two days of damaging wind, steady rain and devastating fires.

 With at least one person killed, authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage as well as triaging emergency assistance.

However, for a Macassar resident, Lorenzia Cupido, the damage was clear.

"We were supposed to move into [our] property this coming weekend. It took us more than 10 months to build the home. And now it's gone," she said on Monday.

Mop-up operations under way after trail of destruction left in Stellenbosch

Mop-up operations got under way in Stellenbosch after a huge storm left a trail of destruction throughout the town. 

Stellenbosch Municipality started mop-up operations after trees were uprooted and significant damage was done to schools in the area.

The municipality's mayor, Gesie van Deventer, said the area was severely affected by the powerful cut-off low system that swept through the province, causing widespread devastation.

"Over the weekend, we faced numerous challenges, including fires, fallen trees, electricity outages, and damaged roofs. Our teams have been working nonstop to assist affected residents, clear roads, remove debris and support those affected by the fires and winds," she told News24.

Companies and aid workers have teamed up to supply warm meals, non-perishable groceries, hygiene packs and blankets to residents in the Western Cape who were displaced by the weather over the weekend.

In a statement on Monday, Shoprite spokesperson Lwazi Nopote said Shoprite and Checkers took action to assist Western Cape communities with the help of the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, which helped the companies distribute the much-needed supplies.

Nopote said the Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchens were in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, serving warm meals to the over 1 000 residents.

She said three additional Mobile Soup Kitchens were on standby to serve in other affected communities.

Refreshments were also donated to emergency and frontline workers aiding relief efforts, including fires, in the Cape Winelands.

Sanjeev Raghubir, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Social Investment at the Shoprite Group, said the company would remain in close contact with the relevant relief organisations to determine what aid was required and how it could support organisations like Gift of the Givers.

"We are committed to supporting the communities that we are a part of during times of disaster," he said.

Nopote said customers could help with relief efforts by donating to the #ActForChange Fund at till points in Shoprite, Checkers and Usave stores.

She said 100% of donations would go to local, vetted beneficiary organisations. 

- Alex Patrick

Corona Sunsets Festival delayed due to Cape storms

Gale force winds slowly travelled across the Western Cape over the weekend, affecting all aspects of life, including the social scene. 

Partygoers had to put their outfits on hold after news of the postponement of the Cape Town leg of the Corona Sunsets Festival World Tour. 

"Mother Nature loves throwing surprises our way. In light of severe weather conditions, we regret to inform you that the Corona Sunsets Festival has been postponed. We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but your safety is our top priority," said festival organisers in a statement.

Cape Winelands and Overberg school districts will remain closed on Tuesday - MEC David Maynier

This means 281 schools in the CapeWinelands Education District, and 84 schools in the Overberg Education District will stay closed.

Schools in the Helderberg area of Metro East Education District will open on Tuesday.

- Jenni Evans

Man arrested for Glencairn fire

A 28-year-old man was arrested on a charge of arson following the fire which destroyed several houses in Glencairn, near Simons Town, Western Cape police said on Monday.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said he was found in the vicinity of the fire and arrested.

On Sunday, the City of Cape Town's fire services said strong wind fanned the fire along Echo Road.

In the meantime, short-term insurer Santam said it had already received 160 claims by Monday morning for damages caused by storms in parts of the Western Cape.

"From the claims filed by this morning, damage includes roofs blown off and trees falling on properties," the company said.

It expects the damage to be of high value. It registered claims in Stellenbosch, Fish Hoek, and a large claim for the Blaauwklippen Agricultural Estate.

On Sunday, fire gutted the historic Blaauwklippen Manor House and its 150-seater Cathedral wedding venue.

Storm damage was also reported by the insurer in Paarl, Strand, Wellington, Somerset West, Muizenberg, Gordon's Bay, Vredehoek, and Three Anchor Bay areas by early Monday morning.

The man who was arrested is expected to appear in court soon.

- Jenni Evans