Just as many Capetonians were settling into their winter routines, the weather had other plans.
A strong cold front made landfall on Tuesday, June 25, bringing with it a wave of heavy rain, chilly temperatures, and localized flooding that’s now causing major concern for city officials.
Rainstorm Overwhelms Parts of the City
According to the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate, the recent downpours have already led to flooding in several low-lying areas.
Canals, rivers, vleis, and stormwater ponds are nearing their maximum capacity, with water spilling over in some parts.
The storm has been unrelenting, and authorities expect it to continue hammering the region until Sunday, June 29.
Flooding Hits Roads and Residential Areas
Councillor Rob Quintas, who oversees urban mobility, explained that the non-stop rain is filling the city’s natural and man-made drainage systems at a rapid pace.
“Rivers, vleis and canals are all nearing full,” he said.
“When that happens, water begins to overflow into roads and nearby properties, especially in areas close to water bodies, at the base of steep slopes, or in low-lying zones.”
Stormwater Systems Struggle to Cope
The city’s stormwater system, already under pressure, is acting more like a network of rivers than proper drainage, according to Quintas.
Roads in several neighborhoods are now serving as channels for runoff, making travel risky and increasing the potential for damage to infrastructure and homes.
Motorists Urged to Stay Alert
Drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads.
Wet, flooded surfaces and reduced visibility could make commuting dangerous, especially in areas where water is pooling.
City teams are currently out assessing the situation and responding to reports as they come in.
Weather Warning Stays in Place
The storm is far from over. Forecasts show the rain continuing for several days, with temperatures dipping below 10°C in high-lying regions.
There’s even a chance of snowfall in mountainous areas and strong winds across parts of the city.