Schools closed for storm

The education department has announced that schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday June 7, because of severe weather.

A fierce storm, with high winds of higher than 90km an hour are expected in some areas and rains of up to 50mm, will make landfall by tonight, Tuesday June 6, and continue well into tomorrow.
Very high seas are expected with swells reaching up to 12m.

“After extensive consultation with all roleplayers 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,” education head of department Brian Schreuder said.

Mr Schreuder said the Provincial Disaster Management and the South African Weather Service briefed cabinet on the possible impact of the severe weather.

“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,” he said. “Acting on the advice of the Weather Service and the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, we have decided to close schools on Wednesday June 7, as a precautionary measure.

Mr Schreuder said the primary concern was pupils as the storm may damage school buildings or place them at risk while commuting, especially in rural areas.

The storm will abate by Thursday June 8 when schools will reopen.

Principals can report storm damage to the Safe Schools Call Centre at 0800 45 46 47.The education department has announced that schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday June 7, because of severe weather.

A fierce storm, with high winds of higher than 90km an hour are expected in some areas and rains of up to 50mm, will make landfall by tonight, Tuesday June 6, and continue well into tomorrow.

Very high seas are expected with swells reaching up to 12m.

“After extensive consultation with all roleplayers 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,” education head of department Brian Schreuder said.

Mr Schreuder said the Provincial Disaster Management and the South African Weather Service briefed cabinet on the possible impact of the severe weather.

“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,” he said. “Acting on the advice of the Weather Service and the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, we have decided to close schools on Wednesday June 7, as a precautionary measure.

Mr Schreuder said the primary concern was pupils as the storm may damage school buildings or place them at risk while commuting, especially in rural areas.

The storm will abate by Thursday June 8 when schools will reopen.

Principals can report storm damage to the Safe Schools Call Centre at 0800 45 46 47.