Western Cape Schools Closed Due To Severe Storm Warnings

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced the closure of schools in parts of the Cape Winelands Education District on Monday, May 11, 2026, due to severe weather warnings and ongoing storm-related access problems. The decision follows coordination with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service, which has issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall in the region.

The closures affect all public ordinary and special needs schools in Circuits 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Cape Winelands Education District, as well as 11 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District. The severe weather is expected to bring heavy rain, rising water levels, and dangerous travel conditions, with the potential for flooding, mudslides, and road blockages.

Drakenstein and Cape Winelands Municipalities have issued urgent storm warnings, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions to prevent localized flooding. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the adverse weather conditions could lead to the flooding of roads, bridges, and informal settlements, as well as danger to life due to fast-flowing rivers.

This decision comes as part of a broader response to severe weather across the Western Cape, with the national government having declared a national disaster due to the ongoing storms, floods, and snow. The closures are intended to ensure the safety of learners and educators amid the challenging conditions.

The Western Cape Government has also strengthened its disaster readiness measures, with emergency services and humanitarian partners on standby to assist affected communities. Residents in the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.