GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality has moved swiftly to activate contingency measures and place all essential services on high alert following an Orange Level 8 weather warning forecasting heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms from Wednesday 3 June.
An integrated, multi-sector response has been mobilised across all municipal directorates, including Uniondale and Haarlem, as the municipality braces for potentially significant weather impacts across the region.
According to weather forecasts, a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to affect the eastern parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday and Thursday, 3 and 4 June 2026. Two-day rainfall accumulations of between 50 mm and 90 mm are expected over parts of the Central Karoo and western Garden Route, while rainfall totals of between 150 mm and 200 mm are possible over the eastern Garden Route, with even higher accumulations expected in mountainous areas.
The George municipal area, including George, Uniondale and Haarlem, may be affected, along with other parts of the Garden Route region.
Given the vulnerability of some areas following the severe weather events experienced in May, as well as dams currently near full capacity or overflowing, significant impacts are possible. While confidence is high that widespread rainfall will occur, uncertainty remains regarding the exact rainfall amounts and distribution. Further weather updates will be issued as forecasts are refined.
A Joint Operational Centre (JOC) meeting was convened on Monday afternoon to assess readiness across municipal services and coordinate response measures ahead of the anticipated weather event.
Municipal departments currently on high alert include Disaster Management, Community Services, Planning and Human Settlements, Traffic Services, Civil Engineering Services, Electrotechnical Services and Technical Services.
Personnel and resources have been placed on standby to respond rapidly to any incidents arising from the anticipated weather conditions.
Civil Engineering Services and Community Services teams have already undertaken extensive cleaning operations in identified high-risk areas. Streets, stormwater infrastructure and drainage systems are being inspected and cleared to minimise flood risks and improve water flow during heavy rainfall.
Sand has been made available for the filling and deployment of sandbags where required as part of proactive mitigation measures in identified high-risk areas.
Residents living in low-lying areas, flood-prone zones and areas along natural stormwater flow channels are strongly advised to take extra precautions, monitor conditions closely and prepare for possible localised flooding.
Where necessary, residents should make early arrangements to move to safer or higher ground if conditions worsen.
Mayor of George, Alderman Browen Johnson, urged residents to play their part in reducing flood risks and ensuring community safety.
“Municipal teams are preparing for the forecast weather conditions, but community cooperation remains essential. We urge residents to clear gutters and drains around their homes, secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and remain alert to official warnings and updates.”
Safety precautions
- Clear gutters, drains and water channels around their properties to reduce the risk of flooding.
- Remove leaves, litter and debris from stormwater drains and road channels near their homes.
- Secure loose outdoor furniture, equipment and other items that may be displaced by strong winds or flowing water.
- Refrain from illegal dumping and littering, as waste can block stormwater systems and worsen flooding.
- Report blocked or damaged stormwater infrastructure to the Municipality.
- Ensure private drainage systems are clear and functioning properly.
- Remain indoors where possible during severe weather conditions.
- Avoid flooded roads, low-water crossings, rivers and streams.
- Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters.
- Be prepared to move to higher ground if instructed to do so.
- Ensure pets and livestock are sheltered and safe.
The Municipality further reminds residents that municipal clean-up operations focus on public infrastructure and storm-related incidents.
Once municipal teams have completed storm-related clean-up activities, any additional garden refuse or debris placed on sidewalks by residents must be disposed of through normal waste disposal channels and in accordance with the Municipality’s existing green waste policy.
Operational teams from Civil Engineering Services, Electrotechnical Services, Community Services and other key departments will remain on standby throughout the forecast weather event, with additional personnel available to support the municipal control room should emergency call volumes increase
Residents are encouraged to monitor George Municipality’s official social media platforms, website and local media outlets for weather warnings, emergency notices and service updates.
Residents are encouraged to save the emergency contact numbers below and report weather-related emergencies as soon as possible.
Emergency contact numbers
George
Municipal Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
After-hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
Fire Department: 044 801 6311
Garden Route Disaster Management Centre: 044 805 5071
Civil Engineering Customer Services (Stormwater-related complaints, 07:45–16:30): 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389
Uniondale
Fire Services: 044 752 1225
Municipal Switchboard and Fault Reporting: 044 752 1024
After-hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
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