PICS| One Dead As Western Cape Schools Close Amid Severe Cape Town Storms

A powerful double cold front has swept across Cape Town and the wider Western Cape, bringing gale-force winds, torrential rain and widespread destruction across the province.

The severe weather left a trail of damage on Monday, with flooding reported in several communities, trees uprooted, roads blocked and roofs ripped from homes from Worcester to George, Simon’s Town and Somerset West.

Authorities have also confirmed one weather-related death after a tree fell onto a vehicle in Kenilworth.

Severe Weather Causes Flooding Across Cape Town Communities

The City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre said several informal settlements were severely affected by flooding as heavy rain continued across the metro.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said floodwaters were reported in Island, Makhaza and Monwabisi in Khayelitsha, as well as Imizamo Yethu, Nomzamo, Lwandle, Phola Park, Gugulethu, Valhalla Park, Vygieskraal, Tafelsig, Delft and Kampies.

“In formal areas, flooding has been reported at a day care in Mitchells Plain and the corner of Mercury and Galaxy Roads in Rocklands. Damage to roofs has been reported in Grindal Avenue in Lavender Hill, Gugulethu, Crossroads, Marcus Garvie in Philippi, Portlands, Delft, and Garden Road in Wynberg. The Vygieskraal Canal in Belgravia has reached its capacity and is overflowing,” she said.

One Dead After Falling Tree Crushes Vehicle

Officials confirmed at least two incidents involving fallen trees striking vehicles during the storm.

“There have been at least two instances of trees falling onto motor vehicles – one person died after a tree fell onto the vehicle they were in, in Kenilworth. In the second incident, a motorist was injured when a tree fell on their vehicle in Parow,” Powell added.

Emergency teams remain on high alert as the dangerous weather continues.

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Western Cape Schools Closed As Cold Front Continues

In response to the worsening conditions, the Western Cape Education Department announced that all schools across the province will be closed on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has taken the decision to close all schools in the province tomorrow, 12 May 2026. All learner transport in the province will also be suspended.”

Officials have urged residents to remain indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel as the province battles the storm.