A devastating storm, with winds resembling the force of a tornado, tore through parts of Randfontein and Westonaria in Gauteng on Wednesday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction.
The Gauteng Provincial Joint Operations Committee confirmed receiving reports of a possible tornado.
Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as severe weather warnings remained in effect until 20:00.
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) noted that a severe thunderstorm might have caused a tornado but said investigations were still underway.
In Toekomsrus, Randfontein, the storm caused extensive damage, ripping roofs off homes, shattering windows, and toppling walls.
A shopping centre and a block of flats also suffered significant damage.
Ward councillor Hullet Hild, whose own home was among those damaged, described the scene as “a war zone.”
“My roof and windows were destroyed, and my neighbour’s boundary wall is completely gone,” Hild said. “About five houses on my street have been left severely damaged.”
Hild confirmed that disaster management teams were assisting residents with temporary repairs ahead of anticipated further rains.
SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela explained that a Yellow Alert warning had been issued for severe thunderstorms, hail, and heavy downpours, particularly in the southern and south-western parts of Gauteng.
Read | Videos of a tornado wreaking havoc in KZN
Thobela added, “Observations on the ground showed rotating winds, which could have been a tornado. We’ve seen pictures and videos of hail and wind damage, but further analysis is needed to confirm the tornado’s strength on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.”
With more storms forecasted for Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo, residents are advised to stay vigilant. KwaZulu-Natal, in particular, is bracing for severe thunderstorms in its northern and central areas.
Disaster relief efforts are ongoing in Randfontein as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
Watch the aftermath of the tornado below:
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