In a sudden turn of weather events, Johannesburg was hit by a freak severe hailstorm yesterday evening, causing extensive damage to property and vehicles. The unexpected deluge of golf ball-sized hailstones descended upon various parts of the city, catching residents off guard. The freak hail storm left a trail of destruction in Joburg.
Freak Hailstorm Rips Through Johannesburg
The storm unleashed its fury on unprotected cars, shattering windshields and leaving numerous vehicles dented.
Disturbing videos circulated on social media, revealing carports with collapsed roofing sheets, burying the parked vehicles beneath the icy onslaught.
Hailstorm in Midrand, JHB. Damage reported. pic.twitter.com/Be2mUO0IN5
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 13, 2023
The ground was blanketed with sheets of white iceballs as the storm raced through the affected areas, lasting only a few minutes. The hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rains, led to flooding and property damage, marking a stark contrast to the predominantly sunny skies experienced over the weekend.
Imagine this #Hailstorm after cancelling your insurance🙇 pic.twitter.com/MBe6yqKfvi
— FoolStop (@Fulstob) November 14, 2023
Also Read: Tragedy Strikes KwaZulu-Natal: Ruthless Hailstorm Leaves 5 Dead, Hundreds Homeless
Residents in Midrand, Fourways, and surrounding areas reported the unprecedented hailstones around 5 pm, with the storm affecting various neighborhoods including Braamfontein, Paulshof, Marlboro, Soweto, and Rosebank.
Lucky Escape: No Injuries Reported Despite Roof Collapse
The Southern Sun Rosebank hotel bore the brunt of the storm, experiencing a roof collapse due to the intensity of the hail.
Johannesburg emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi reported that no injuries have been reported following the hailstorm.
“The hailstorm has been reported in areas like Pualshof, Rosebank, and Sandton, along the N1 highway, and also in Marlboro. So far, we don’t have any injuries that have been reported…”
Nature’s Display in Mpumalanga: Tornado Spotted Near Standerton
In a separate weather event, Mpumalanga witnessed a tornado on Monday afternoon, captured in video footage taken in Tutuka. The suspected tornado spiralled between Standerton and Bethal, accompanied by a severe downpour that flooded some roads in its wake.
Tornado: Bethal, MP. pic.twitter.com/IA4cOIUZee
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 13, 2023
While the tornado left a visual spectacle, no significant damage or injuries have been reported in Mpumalanga so far.