02/06/2026
🚨 URGENT TRAIL SAFETY ALERT: STAY OFF THE TRAILS 🚨
⚠️ ORANGE LEVEL 8 WEATHER WARNING ISSUED (UPGRADED FROM LEVEL 6)
George Trails community, please take note: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has upgraded the weather warning to an Orange Level 8 for disruptive rainfall affecting the Garden Route from Wednesday, 3 June until Thursday, 4 June 2026.
We are expecting severe weather, and we strongly urge all trail users to stay entirely off the trails during this period. Mountainous areas are expected to receive the brunt of this system.
🌧️ What to Expect:
Massive Rainfall: 150–200 mm of rain is possible, with even higher accumulations expected in our mountains and upper trail networks.
High-Risk Trail Conditions: Extreme risk of mudslides, rockfalls, and falling trees.
Dangerous Waterways: Fast-flowing streams and dangerous, flooded river crossings. What looks like a small creek today will be a raging torrent tomorrow.
Infrastructure Damage: Potential flooding of access roads, bridges, and trail networks.
🚫 Your Safety Checklist:
Stay off the dirt: Do not attempt to hike, run, or ride until the storm has passed and trails have been assessed for damage.
Avoid unnecessary travel: Keep off mountain passes and flooded roads.
Keep a close eye on kids & pets: Ensure they stay far away from rivers, stormwater drains, and flooded areas.
Stay informed: Follow official disaster management and SAWS updates.
Our trails will recover, but lives cannot be replaced. Please prioritize your safety, stay indoors, and let’s ride out this storm safely. 🌧️🏠
Source : Garden Route District Municipality George Municipality georgeheraldnews