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Cape Town
Wednesday, January 21, 2026

CAPE OF STORMS: More calls for heightened vigilance

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Western Cape authorities have echoed calls for residents to exercise increased caution amid an intense cold front, which has wreaked havoc across several parts of the province. This time, the call comes from Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell.

 

 

This comes as disaster risk management and other entities are continuing to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions by means of humanitarian relief efforts, distribution of sandbags, clearing of blocked drainage systems, and ongoing impact and damage assessments.

 

 

 

 

“High-risk areas continue to be low-lying, flood-prone informal settlements and communities near rivers, streams, and stormwater channels,” Minister Bredell said.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that a Level 4 warning for damaging waves, as well as Level 2 warnings for disruptive rainfall and strong winds (both coastal and inland), remain in effect across parts of the Western Cape.

 

 

The weather system has now shifted to the south coast, with strong winds predicted along the Overberg and Garden Route coastal regions. Provincial and local disaster management teams remain on stand-by, monitoring dam levels and weather impacts in collaboration with municipalities and emergency services.

 

 

@capeargus_news Cape Town Weather woes Cape Town has been hit by persistent rain today, leading to widespread flooding in several areas including around Ottery Shopping Centre. A number of roads have been closed due to dangerous conditions and traffic officers are actively on duty to manage flow and direct motorists. Drivers have been urged to proceed with caution due to poor visibility and reports of debris like fallen trees blocking roadways. 📸 Photos by Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers #CapeTownWeather #OtteryFlooding #TrafficAlert #HeavyRain #StormWatch #StaySafeCapeTown ♬ original sound – Milli Vanilli

 

 

RESIDENTS CAN IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

 

• Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters – even shallow water can be dangerous.
• Stay away from rivers, canals, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
• Remain indoors where possible and stay informed through official communication channels.

 

 

“We call on the public to stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe. Your cooperation is vital in helping us protect lives and reduce risk during this period of severe weather. Emergency services are fully mobilised and remain on 24/7 standby to respond as needed. We extend our sincere thanks to all frontline teams, municipal partners, and volunteers for their swift, tireless efforts in assisting affected communities,” Bredell added.

 

 

Emergency Contact Numbers:
• City of Cape Town: 107 (landline) / 021 480 7700 / 080 911 4357
• Cape Winelands District Municipality: 021 886 9144 / 021 887 4446
• Garden Route District Municipality: 044 805 5071
• Central Karoo District Municipality: 023 449 8000
• West Coast District Municipality: 022 495 0229 / 0231
• Overberg District Municipality: 028 425 1690

 

READ MORE: South Africa braces for more winter cold fronts – how drivers should prepare for safer travel

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding affecting multiple areas across the City

WATCH: Gift of the Givers to assist flood affected victims

Lizell Persens
Lizell Persens
Lizell is a Cape Town-based news anchor, reporter and transcriptionist. She has been a journalist for the past 10 years, and started her career as a TV producer. The avid reader enjoys writing poems, fast cars, music, travelling, and exploring new food.

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