PICS: Table Mountain parks damaged in storm
Torrential rain and wind damages parts of Table Mountain roadways.
Image: SANParks
SANParks rangers and fire management teams are working to clear hiking trails, remove fallen trees, repair damaged infrastructure and respond to impacts caused by the extreme weather conditions across Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
Residents and visitors planning outdoor activities have been urged to take heed of public safety announcements, as widespread temporary closures across sections of the mountain have been implemented due to severe weather battering Cape Town and surrounding areas.
The closures, effective immediately, are deemed necessary for public safety as the park grapples with significant weather-related impacts.
SANParks said numerous popular sites and trails have been closed, including:
Lion’s Head summit; Signal Hill precinct; Deer Park Trails; Newlands picnic site; Cecilia Forest trails; Constantia Nek trails; Tokai picnic site, and Tokai trails - Upper and Lower Sections; Silvermine gates and picnic site; Forest Link Walkway, at Boulders Penguin Colony; and Oudekraal picnic site.
Several trees have been uprooted along Table Mountain.
Image: SANParks
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said shuttle services within the Cape of Good Hope section have been suspended until conditions improve.
TMNP management teams are actively addressing multiple incidents, including fallen trees and branches, flash flooding, water-related damage to infrastructure, and hazardous trail conditions.
Numerous hiking trails along TMNP have been closed due to storm damage.
Image: SANParks
Park officials have also confirmed that they are monitoring for necessary wildlife rescue operations.
"The SANParks strongly urges the public to avoid all unnecessary travel and hiking within the affected park areas. Extreme caution is advised, particularly around rivers, streams, coastal zones, and low-lying areas, as numerous reports indicate unstable ground and fallen debris," he said.
A SANParks hut along Table Mountain is damaged by the storm.
Image: SANParks
While TMNP is extensively impacted, other SANParks sites in the Cape Region - including Agulhas, Bontebok, Tankwa Karoo, and West Coast National Park - remain operational but are on high alert.
SANParks requests full cooperation from the public in adhering to all safety signage, barricades, and instructions provided by park officials and emergency personnel during this severe weather event.