Havoc as more thunderstorms are expected
A welcome rain brought with it havoc in most Johannesburg areas.
JOHANNESBURG – Johannesburg Emergency Services has issued a warning for further hailstorms in the city this week and has urged young children to stay away from areas prone to flooding.
According to a report by Eyewitness News (EWN), EMS says the powerful hailstorm that swept across the city and its surroundings has led to a fatal car crash, severe damage to homes, vehicles and mass evacuations.
Ok so this #hailstorm wasn't so much fun. I just had to dig my car out of the driveway! 😔 pic.twitter.com/wx0xfdJWRM
— Peter Ndoro (@peterndoro) November 16, 2015
#Hailstorm Laudium @DMLaudium pic.twitter.com/gJWFJ0eVdr
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 16, 2015
Although no serious incidents were reported in the Alberton area, a car was stuck in the flood in Winchester Hills.
Flights in and out of OR Tambo International Airport were also affected, while power lines fell over on the West Rand.
Among the affected areas are shelters housing people affected by a fire in the Cleveland informal settlement were destroyed by the storm.
Other informal settlements have also been partly flooded and some roads are inaccessible in the south of the city.
Mulaudzi advised that young children be kept away from any areas that might be flooded. He added that they need to be kept away from drains and any other rivers and streams to avoid drowning.
We have some cleaning up to do today. What a #hailstorm yesterday! #Jozi pic.twitter.com/tKjQRM42Hc
— Donnybrook B&B (@Donnybrook_BB) November 17, 2015
“Obviously from our side, we will remain on high alert. People in our informal settlements are the hardest hit,” he said.
Mulaudzi says in Soweto an advertising billboard and ceiling in Southgate Mall collapsed.
Insane hail storms currently in Fourways. Please drive safely on the roads and safeguard your cars. #hailstorm pic.twitter.com/1yAubZb2a9
— AfricaWeather (@AfricaWeather_) November 16, 2015
“Part of the ceiling collapsed and there were no injuries reported,” he said.
The EMS responded to more than 200 families who left destitute after temporary shelters were destroyed by strong winds and rainfall in Cleveland overnight.
The South African Weather Service says thunderstorms, strong winds and rain are expected to intensify across the province this week.
