Storm threat forces closure of W Cape schools

The Western Cape education department has opted to shut down all schools in the province today in the interests of pupils’ safety, as a monster storm is expected to make landfall.

In a statement, department head Brian Schreuder said he had taken the “unprecedented decision” at the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Management and SA Weather Service.

The City of Cape Town had its disaster operation centre in Goodwood on full alert from yesterday evening and is expecting flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Schreuder said the SA Weather Service predicted “the Western Cape will experience gale-force winds and heavy rains over an extended period tomorrow [today] during a storm that is expected to make landfall tonight [yesterday]”.

The statement said current weather forecast methodology predicted:

High winds of up to 90km/h or higher are possible in some areas;

Rains of up to 50mm or more over a 24hour period across various areas;

Very high seas are expected with swells reaching up to 10-12 metres.

“Our primary concern is the safety of pupils and staff,” said Schreuder.

“The storm may damage some schools, which could place pupils and staff at risk, as well as those who commute to school, especially in rural areas.”

He said schools would reopen tomorrow.

Schreuder added that any storm damage could be reported to the Safe Schools Call Centre at 0800-45-46-47. – ANA