Despite heavy rains and strong winds that have lashed the Overberg since late on Wednesday no serious damage or flooding has been reported.
Although several roads were submerged under the water, no road closures were reported across the Overberg.
Overstrand Municipality (OM) reported that several roads across the Greater Hermanus as well as a few properties in Fisherhaven and Hawston were flooded on Wednesday morning.
Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill stated: “Roos Street in Onrus as well as areas in Zwelihle and Mount Pleasant also experienced flooding, although water levels have since subsided. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. There is localised flooding and ponding in Stanford and Gansbaai, but no major challenges reported.”
In a report released earlier this morning (Friday 4 July) OM stated that teams worked until 23:00 Thursday evening to respond to all calls received during the day. It reported no major incidents were reported overnight.
“Disaster Management and other key stakeholders remain on high alert as severe weather continues,” said O’Neill. “Diggers are on standby, with blockage clearing and hot-spot maintenance underway. Assessments for sandbag distribution continue.”
Further disruptive rain and strong and damaging winds are expected in the Overstrand region between 12:00 (noon) and 18:00 today (4 July).
This, said O’Neill, could prove to be problematic as the soil is already saturated, and many low-lying areas remain waterlogged.
“Water from the mountain catchment areas continues to flow down, causing localised flooding. Particularly the Hangklip-Kleinmond area is at risk, as more rain is forecast there today.”
He added that community halls across the Overstrand will be made available should residents need a place to stay dry and safe.
Possibility of power outages, road closures
The South African Weather Service has issued a warning that a series of cold fronts are expected to affect the Western Cape from Friday through to Sunday. The most significant cold front is forecast to make landfall on Friday, bringing heavy downpours, strong winds, and the risk of flooding in several areas. A second cold front is expected on Sunday.
Residents across the Overberg are urged to prepare themselves for the possibility of power outages as past experience shows there is a risk of interruptions to the electricity supply as result of strong winds and heavy rain in the mountains.
All major roads remain open, but mudslides are possible, particularly along the R320 Hemel-en-Aarde Road and R44 Clarence Drive.
Motorists are advised to reduce speed and drive with caution, as weather conditions remained unpredictable and can change rapidly. Please note that roads may be closed at short notice if needed for safety.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku stated: “We call on all residents and visitors to the Western Cape to prioritise safety as inclement weather conditions set in. Our provincial traffic law-enforcement officers will be monitoring high-risk routes, attending to road closures where needed, and responding to incidents to keep our road network as safe as possible. We ask all road users to play their part by driving responsibly and remaining alert.”
Muneera Allie, the Western Cape Mobility Department’s Head of Communication, urged all road users – motorists, pedestrians, and public transport operators – to exercise extreme caution during this period.
She warned unsafe road conditions may be expected, including reduced visibility, waterlogged surfaces and flooding of low-lying areas and bridges.
“Every winter we see similar challenges — flooded roads, poor visibility, and increased risk for both drivers and pedestrians. Please plan ahead, stay informed through updates and adjust your travel habits to the conditions. Small decisions, such as switching on your headlights or slowing down in the rain, can help prevent accidents.”
Safety tips for motorists:
* Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and poor visibility.
* Increase your following distance and reduce your speed.
* Keep headlights switched on at all times.
* Ensure your vehicle’s lights, wipers, tyres and brakes are in good working condition before setting out.
* Be cautious when approaching low-lying bridges and flooded roads; do not attempt to drive through standing water.
* Allow extra time for travel as traffic delays are likely.
Safety tips for pedestrians:
* Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light or rainy conditions.
* Use pedestrian bridges and crossings where available.
* Remain alert near roads, especially during peak traffic and poor visibility.
The Western Cape Government’s traffic law-enforcement team, along with local traffic, remains on high alert and will provide assistance where needed. Road users are advised to stay updated on weather and traffic alerts and plan their journeys accordingly.
Pump stations
Overstrand Municipality reported that all pumps are fully operational, but that sewerage pump stations remain under pressure due to the increased influx of stormwater.
“The Sandbaai pump station is currently struggling to cope with the ongoing rainwater inflow,” said O’Neill. “We are also closely monitoring the Palmiet River water levels, as this often impacts the performance of the Kleinmond raw water pump station.”
Emergency numbers:
Residents of the Overberg should contact their local municipality for any weather-related issues such as flooding, blocked roads, fallen trees and weather-related hazards.
* Overstrand Municipality’s 24/7 emergency contact numbers are: 028 312 2400 in case of a fire or flood or 028 313 8111 for municipal services emergencies relating to storm water issues. Service requests can also be reported on the Collab Citizen App.
* Theewaterskloof Municipality’s toll-free emergency number is 080 021 4730.
* In case of weather-related emergencies Cape Agulhas Municipality can be contacted on 028 425 5500 or after hours on 082 457 1774.
* Overberg District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre can be contacted on 028 425 1690.
