The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain over the Eastern Namakwa district in the Northern Cape and the Central Karoo district in the Western Cape. The warning is in effect from 6:00 pm on Sunday, 13 September 2026, until 11:59 pm on Monday, 14 September 2026. Rainfall accumulations of 25 to 50 mm are expected broadly, with some areas in the two districts forecast to receive between 60 and 80 mm, according to a SAnews report citing SAWS.
“Rainfall accumulations of between 25 and 50mm are expected over the Eastern Namakwa and Central Karoo, with districts reaching between 60 and 80mm until Monday,” the SAWS statement read. “This may lead to the displacement of affected communities, flooding of settlements, low-lying areas, and the closure of some bridges and roads, as well as some mountain passes.”
A cut-off low-pressure system is driving the scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers forecast for the two interior regions. Such weather systems have historically caused dangerous flash flooding in the Karoo, where dry riverbeds can swell rapidly. The N1 national route, a vital link between Cape Town and the interior, passes through Beaufort West in the Central Karoo and may see disruptions. No official confirmation of precautionary measures by local municipalities was available at the time of publishing.
Potential impacts listed by SAWS include the closure of mountain passes, major traffic disruption, danger to life from fast-flowing streams, and the interruption of essential services such as water, electricity and schools. The warning indicates a high likelihood of communities being displaced by floodwaters. Residents in low-lying settlements and near watercourses are particularly vulnerable.
This article is based on a single source, the SAnews report. Cape Flats News has contacted the disaster management centres of the Central Karoo District Municipality and the Namakwa District Municipality for independent verification. An update will be published as soon as more information is available. Reporting by Zainap Johnson.