May 11, 2026 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Storm Causes Widespread Damage and Power Outages Across Western Cape

Posted on by

Western Cape residents, particularly in the Garden Route, are being urged to stay indoors and avoid travelling as gale-force winds continue to cause widespread disruption and damage.

Eskom says there are widespread power outages across the province due to the severe storm conditions.

The power utility says technicians may not be able to reach all affected areas because of the dangerous weather and has appealed to residents to remain patient while restoration efforts continue.

Major Faults on Eskom power lines have impacted the following areas:

CAPE METROPOLE
Eersterivier
Jamestown
Leiden, Delft
Nomzamo
Parts of Khayelitsha

CAPE WINELANDS / BOLAND
Ashton
Barrydale
Bonnievale
Breerivier
Boskloof
Ceres
De Doorns, Touwsrivier and surrounding farms and traction stations
Klapmuts
Montagu
Perdeberg
Rawsonville and surrounding farms
Tulbagh
Villiersdorp
Wolseley

GARDEN ROUTE
Albertinia
Karatara
Knysna
Meiringspoort
Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas
Rheenendal
Robberg
Riversdale
Sedgefield
Stilbaai
Woodville
Wilderness

OVERBERG / OVERSTRAND
Arniston
Betty’s Bay
Bredasdorp
Buffelsjag
Caledon
Gaansbaai
Grabouw and surrounding areas
Greyton
Hawston
Heidelberg
Hermanus
Kleinmond
McGregor
Napier
Onrus
Pringle Bay
Riviersonderend surrounding farms
Rooi Els
Stanford
Struisbaai
Swellendam
Vermont

WEST COAST
Citrusdal
Lambert’s Bay
Vredendal
Wellington surrounding farm areas

Eskom recovery teams have been dispatched to attend to the various faults but face major challenges in some areas where infrastructure is inaccessible due to severe flooding and unsafe conditions.
Eskom urges the public to be patient while its response teams navigate these conditions to restore power as soon as possible.

Photo: Damage outside George South Primary School (11 May 2026 - Photo by GRDM)

Western Cape Schools Closed on Tuesday Due to Severe Storm Conditions

Posted on by

All schools in the Western Cape will be closed on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, due to severe weather conditions affecting the province.

Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier said the decision was taken in consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service after updated weather projections and current storm conditions raised concerns about the safety of learners and teachers.

The closure includes all public ordinary and special schools across the province. According to the department, schools are expected to reopen on Wednesday, 13 May, if conditions improve.

Maynier said the department’s default position is to keep schools open and that closures are only implemented under exceptional circumstances.

By 13:30 on Monday, a total of 227 schools had already applied for closure, in addition to schools previously closed in the Cape Winelands and Eden and Central Karoo districts. Authorities are also assessing storm-related damage reported at several schools.

The minister thanked officials, principals, teachers, parents, emergency services and disaster management teams for their support during the severe weather conditions.

Tips for driving in Strong Winds

Posted on by

Driving in strong winds can be dangerous, especially on open roads, bridges, coastal routes and during storms. Here are the safest ways to handle it:

*Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, especially when passing trucks, buses or gaps between buildings where gusts can hit suddenly.
*Slow down. High speeds make it easier for wind to push your vehicle sideways.
*Leave extra following distance in case other drivers lose control or brake suddenly.
*Watch for debris like branches, bins, signs or loose roofing material on the road.
*Be careful with high-sided vehicles such as vans, SUVs, trailers and caravans — they are more affected by crosswinds.
*Avoid sudden steering movements. Make small, smooth corrections instead.
*If you feel the car being pushed, gently ease off the accelerator but do not slam on the brakes.
*Keep headlights on if visibility is poor due to rain, dust or spray.
*Stay alert near trucks. Wind turbulence around large vehicles can pull or push your car unexpectedly.
*On bridges and mountain passes, expect stronger gusts.
*If conditions become severe and you struggle to keep the vehicle steady, pull over somewhere safe away from trees, power lines and flood-prone areas until conditions improve.

If you’re driving in current severe weather conditions along the Garden Route or Western Cape today, it’s worth checking local weather and road alerts before leaving.

Schools Closed in Parts of Western Cape Due to Severe Weather

Posted on by

Schools in parts of the Western Cape will be closed on Monday, 11 May 2026, due to severe weather conditions and ongoing storm impacts.

The decision was taken following consultations between the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), with learner and teacher safety cited as the main priority.

All public ordinary and special needs schools in Circuits 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Cape Winelands Education District will be closed. The affected areas include Worcester, Ceres, Rawsonville, Tulbagh and the Hex River Valley.

Schools in the affected circuits have been officially informed of the closure and asked to notify parents.

Meanwhile, 11 schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District will also remain closed on Monday because of storm damage and access problems caused by last week’s severe weather.

All other schools in the Western Cape are expected to remain open unless specific approval for closure has been granted on a case-by-case basis.

Education authorities say schools are only closed in exceptional circumstances, but the severity of the current weather warnings made the precaution necessary.

Officials will continue monitoring conditions, with all schools expected to reopen on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.