Schools closed in Cape Town as heavy storms wreak havoc

Schools have been closed in parts of South Africa's Western Cape province, including Cape Town, due to a severe destructive storm that wreaked havoc in the province at the weekend.

The closure affects schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg education districts, as well as the Helderberg basin area, education authorities said on Sunday.

"We have not taken the decision to close these schools lightly: we have done so out of an abundance of caution to protect our learners and school staff. It’s always better to be safe than sorry," Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier said.

Dramatic videos shared on social media showed strong winds blowing two vehicles, including a truck, off a bridge.

Another image showed two vehicles flipped by the gale-force winds. Several roads were reportedly closed to avoid accidents.

Authorities have asked residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel.

The heavy winds also blew off roofs, uprooted trees and fuelled wildfires, razing a wine farm in Stellenbosch and more than three properties in the Glencairn area.

The destructive winds are predicted to continue on Monday. The weather service has also issued warnings for heavy rains that may result in flooding.