A powerful storm system is bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to South Africa's Garden Route, prompting evacuations and school closures as an Orange Level 8 warning takes effect.
The South African Weather Service issued the warning for parts of the Western and Eastern Cape on 3 June 2026. Up to 200 millimetres of rain is forecast over two days in areas including Bitou, Knysna and George.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell said the rainfall on already saturated ground raises the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Garden Route District Municipality head of disaster management Gerhard Otto noted that all dams in the district are at full capacity.
Evacuations began on 3 June in Welgeluk and De Rust in the Oudtshoorn area, with residents moved to community halls. All public schools in the Eden and Central Karoo education districts closed on 3 and 4 June.
SANParks suspended hiking trails and water activities in the Garden Route National Park. Officials urged residents to avoid flooded roads and stay indoors where safe.
