Severe storm warning for homeowners as tornado hits major city in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing severe weather this week – including flooding, thunderstorms, and even a tornado – and homeowners need to be prepared. 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued orange level 5 and level 6 warnings for several provinces, urging residents to take precautions.

The affected areas include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and the Free State.

According to SAWS, these regions are expected to experience torrential downpours, strong winds, hail, and lightning.

The heavy rainfall could cause localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, which could impact roads, bridges, and communities near rivers and streams.

The weather service also noted a heightened risk of mudslides in vulnerable areas, and some communities could become inaccessible due to the extreme weather.

Motorists have been warned to exercise extreme caution as hazardous conditions are expected to cause severe traffic disruptions.

Flooded roads, reduced visibility, and the risk of aquaplaning on major highways make driving particularly dangerous.

Drivers are advised to keep a safe following distance, keep headlights on at all times, and avoid waterlogged routes to reduce the risk of accidents and vehicle damage.

The severity of these storms that have hit South Africa was highlighted in the recent reports of a tornado hitting Pretoria North on Tuesday evening (18 February).

According to the reports, the tornado damaged hundreds of homes, vehicles, and buildings, uprooting trees and tearing off roofs.

“A residential complex on Veda Street near Enkeldoorn Street was badly affected as several of the buildings within the complex suffered major damage.

“The upper floors and the roofs, as external geysers and corrugated iron roof sheets, were brought to the ground by the strong wind, leaving the structures of the units exposed to the rain,” said Tshwane spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni.

Emergency services, including Tshwane EMS, responded to evacuate residents from flooded homes, providing temporary shelter for those displaced.

Mnguni said that disaster management teams are currently assessing the damage and coordinating further assistance for affected families.

Mnguni added that residents are urged to stay informed and monitor weather alerts closely as the stormy conditions are expected to persist throughout the week.

As severe weather continues, it is crucial for homeowners to take proactive measures to protect their properties. Santam advised that simple preventative actions can help minimise storm damage.

Clearing gutters of debris is essential to prevent overflow and water damage, while regular roof inspections can help identify potential vulnerabilities before they escalate.

Trimming trees and shrubs reduces the likelihood of falling branches damaging homes, and securing outdoor furniture or moving it under cover prevents items from becoming dangerous in strong winds.

Additionally, ensuring that home and household contents insurance accurately reflects replacement values can provide financial protection in the event of severe damage.

Karen Rimmer, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure, also stressed the importance of maintaining outdoor spaces, advising homeowners to regularly check and reinforce these outdoor areas to reduce risks.

Important documents should also be stored in waterproof containers, and alternative communication plans should be established in case phone networks go down.

Motorists are also advised to prepare for worsening conditions by ensuring their vehicles are in good working order.

Checking tyres, brakes, and windscreen wipers can improve safety during heavy rainfall. It is also recommended to keep an emergency kit in the car, including a flashlight, bottled water, a basic first-aid kit, and a charged power bank.