Severe Storms Cause Major Damage Across Three Provinces as Weather Warnings Intensify
Communities across Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga are reeling after severe storms battered parts of the country over the weekend, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed widespread damage following a powerful system of thunderstorms, heavy rains, strong winds, and large hail. As conditions worsened on Sunday, an initial level 2 weather warning was escalated to a level 4, signalling a higher risk of dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts.
According to SAWS weather forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela, the severe storms unleashed significant damage in multiple areas, particularly across the East Rand and Pretoria North. Reports indicated that large hailstones—some big enough to puncture roofing—caused extensive roof and property damage. Videos circulating on social media captured hail blanketing streets like snow, while images showed smashed windows, dented vehicles, and uprooted trees scattered across affected neighbourhoods.
Thobela noted that the storm system developed rapidly during the afternoon, intensifying much faster than anticipated. “We received multiple reports of hail damage, including collapsed carports and broken roof tiles,” he said. “These storms escalated quickly, demonstrating how unpredictable and dangerous severe weather can become.”
Beyond hail damage, heavy rainfall associated with the severe storms triggered rapid flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Several residential communities reported water entering homes, damaging household items and forcing some families to temporarily evacuate. Footage from affected suburbs showed cars partially submerged and residents wading through ankle-deep water to assess the damage.
In some areas, stormwater drains were overwhelmed within minutes, causing flash floods on neighbourhood streets. Motorists found themselves stuck in rising water levels, prompting emergency services to issue repeated warnings urging the public not to attempt driving through flooded roads.
Severe Storms Bring Hail, Flooding, and Infrastructure Damage
The severe storms also caused major traffic disruptions across the three provinces. Thobela confirmed that SAWS received multiple reports of blocked roads due to flooding and fallen trees. Strong winds uprooted trees and snapped branches, obstructing major routes and creating hazardous driving conditions.
In Gauteng, the N12 and R21 experienced heavy traffic delays as crews worked to clear debris. Fallen traffic lights, waterlogged intersections, and reduced visibility further contributed to congestion. Commuters reported hour-long delays on routes that normally take minutes to travel.
Emergency responders and municipal workers were deployed late into the night to assist with clearing roadways, draining flooded underpasses, and restoring basic infrastructure. While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, several minor injuries occurred as individuals slipped on wet surfaces or were struck by debris blown around during the storm.
Thobela emphasised that Sunday’s escalation of the warning from level 2 to level 4 was essential for public safety. He urged residents to take weather alerts seriously going forward, stressing that compliance with warnings can significantly reduce the risk of injury, loss of life, and property damage.
“The public is strongly urged to take weather warnings seriously, as they play a critical role in reducing the risk of injury, loss of life or property damage,” he said. “The impacts clearly demonstrate how quickly weather conditions can deteriorate once thunderstorms intensify.”
SAWS has warned that severe storms may continue over the coming days as the country remains in a period of heightened atmospheric instability. Forecasters are closely monitoring conditions to determine whether further alerts will be necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels, avoid outdoor activities during storm periods, and ensure that loose items around homes—such as garden furniture and tools—are secured to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Municipal officials in Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga have begun preliminary damage assessments to determine the full extent of the destruction caused by the severe storms. Early indications suggest that hundreds of homes and vehicles sustained hail damage, while multiple communities will require repairs to roads, drainage systems, and power infrastructure.
Some areas experienced temporary electricity outages due to lightning strikes and damaged power lines. Technicians were dispatched to restore supply, with Eskom and municipal power departments working through the night.
As the cleanup continues, humanitarian groups have started assisting families whose homes were affected by flooding. Blankets, building materials, and emergency food parcels are being distributed to households identified as most vulnerable.
This latest bout of severe storms serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across South Africa. Meteorologists warn that changing climate patterns could lead to more unpredictable and damaging storm systems in the future.
For now, communities are focused on rebuilding—but with eyes firmly on the skies, aware that the storm season is far from over.
Source- EWN
