A powerful weather system is set to impact the Garden Route with heavy rainfall, strong winds, very cold temperatures, and hazardous sea conditions, prompting urgent preparedness measures from local authorities.
Forecast models indicate that the Bitou, Knysna, and George municipalities could receive between 150 mm and 200 mm of rain, while Beaufort West municipality is expected to see totals between 50 mm and 90 mm. These projections come as the region remains vulnerable following earlier weather events that have left soils saturated and infrastructure under pressure.
Gerhard Otto, head of Disaster Management for the Garden Route District Municipality, highlighted the compounding risks facing communities. “Our dams are all full and will be spilling today with water coming in from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Central Karoo, as well as the rain we are going to get locally,” Otto explained. Low-lying areas remain the primary concern for emergency planners.
In preparation, proactive evacuations have been carried out in the Welgeluk area and another unspecified location. Affected residents are being accommodated at Toekomsrust Hall under the coordination of the Oudtshoorn municipality. Teams continue to monitor river systems closely and are prepared to execute additional evacuations should conditions deteriorate.
Otto noted that the region’s vulnerability has been heightened by recent weather: rainfall on May 6 followed by gale-force winds on May 11 uprooted trees across the district. Tragically, two residents lost their lives due to falling branches and trees during those earlier events. Authorities are urging the public to avoid parking beneath trees and to remain vigilant.
Travel advisories are also in effect. Sections of the rural road network have only undergone temporary repairs, making them potentially unsafe. Residents are encouraged to stay home where possible and to avoid using rural routes unless absolutely necessary, as slippery surfaces and poor visibility are anticipated.
Clear safety guidance has been issued for the public:
– Individuals residing near rivers in historically flood-prone zones should evacuate proactively to stay with family or friends for at least the next 48 hours, without waiting for formal warnings.
– Motorists must not attempt to drive through flooded low-water bridges or causeways. “Your vehicle is not a 4×4,” Otto cautioned, referencing multiple vehicle rescues conducted on May 6 when drivers underestimated river depths.
Areas identified as particularly vulnerable include Calitzdorp and Herbertsdale, where river systems converge toward the coast, as well as low-lying sections near Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay. Communities that experienced flooding during the May 6 event are considered at elevated risk given the current rainfall forecast exceeding 200 mm in some locations.
In George, two rainfall stations recorded approximately 50 mm of precipitation overnight. Officials noted that the rain fell gently, allowing stormwater infrastructure to manage runoff effectively so far. However, they emphasized that the situation remains dynamic and requires continued monitoring.
Disaster management personnel remain deployed across the region, working alongside municipal teams and emergency services. Residents are advised to follow official updates, prepare emergency kits, and comply with evacuation instructions to protect themselves and their neighbors during this severe weather event.