 | Drakenstein residents urged to prepare for severe cold front
08 May 2026 | Press Releases |
Drakenstein Municipality urges all residents to take the necessary precautions ahead of a severe cold front expected to reach the Cape Winelands district, including Drakenstein and the City of Cape Town, from Sunday, 10 May 2026.
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 8 warning for the district, with conditions expected as follows:
- Heavy rainfall with possible accumulations of 200–300 mm, increasing the risk of flooding;
- Strong winds of up to 100 km/h, which may cause damage to infrastructure and trees; and
- Damaging winds and waves, with potential storm surge conditions along the coastline.
These conditions are expected to persist until Tuesday.
Drakenstein Municipality's Emergency Services and Disaster Management teams are on high alert and ready to respond to any incidents arising from the expected heavy rainfall. The Disaster Management Plan is in place, and proactive measures have been taken, including the removal of illegal dumping, litter and other obstructions that could impede stormwater flow and cause or worsen flooding.
In addition, the Municipality's Traffic Services will closely monitor roads, particularly in known high-risk areas, to assist with traffic management and accident prevention.
What can residents do?
- Clear gutters to ensure effective water drainage.
- Inspect roofs for leaks or damage inside and outside the home, including loose sheeting or tiles, damaged sealant, rot, mould or signs of water ingress.
- Avoid flooded areas and do not attempt to walk or drive through standing or flowing water. Flood conditions can be deceptive and extremely dangerous.
- Prepare for possible power outages by charging essential electronic devices in advance.
- When travelling, drive slowly and cautiously, keep headlights on and maintain a safe following distance.
Drakenstein Municipality's Joint Operations Centre (JOC) is ready to provide a coordinated and integrated response by all relevant services should the need arise.
To report emergencies or incidents, residents can contact the Municipality's toll-free number: 080 131 3553.
The Municipality will continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to follow the Municipality's official communication channels, including its Facebook page and WhatsApp channel, for important updates and potential service delivery notifications.
Thank you to our frontline teams who will be on high alert this weekend to keep our communities safe.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities. The Municipality is rated the Best Municipality in the Western Cape for service excellence as well as the Number One Secondary City in South Africa. Drakenstein Municipality has achieved 11 unqualified audit opinions with no findings (clean audits) from the Auditor-General of South Africa. Boasting the largest economy in the Cape Winelands, Drakenstein is home to 311 601 residents and includes the historic Winelands towns of Paarl and Wellington.
Embodying its vision of “a city of excellence", the Municipality prides itself on providing its residents, businesses, investors and visitors with excellent services and well-maintained, advanced infrastructure. As Southern Africa's first self-declared Fair Trade City and the fourth in Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is serious about building a sustainable future and has garnered various awards for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Drakenstein is also recognised for having one of the highest growth potentials in the Western Cape. As a progressive business and investment area and a city geared for growth, it constantly attracts new development.
Visit our website at https://www.drakenstein.gov.za/ or follow us on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Issued by Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
Visit our website at www.drakenstein.gov.za or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
