Western Cape schools close for storm
Schools in the Western Cape will close their doors tomorrow as a massive storm approaches.
In an unprecedented move, the head of education in the Western Cape, Brian Schreuder, has decided to close all schools on Wednesday 7 June in the interest of safety.
He says it's a precautionary measure.
"After extensive consultation with all role players and at the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Management and SA Weather Service, I have taken the unprecedented decision in the interest of learner and educator safety to close schools in the Western Cape tomorrow," says Schreuder in a statement.
All learner transport will also be suspended tomorrow.
"We were informed from the South African Weather Service that the Western Cape will experience gale force winds and heavy rains over an extended period tomorrow during a storm that is expected to make landfall tonight. "
High winds of up to 90km per hour or higher are possible in some areas.
Rains of up to 50mm or more over a 24 hour period across various areas has also been forecast.
Very high seas are expected with swells reaching up to 10 to 12metres.
"Our primary concern is the safety of learners and staff. The storm may damage some schools, which could place learners and staff at risk, as well as those who commute to school, especially in rural areas."
Schools will reopen on Thursday.
The storm is expected to bring much-needed relief to the drought-stricken province.
Average dam levels are currently at 17.6%, with level 4 water restrictions currently in place.
The Western Cape is experiencing one if its worst droughts in history.