Relief after hail mayhem in Gauteng

Gauteng residents can breathe a sigh of relief with drier weather conditions moving in this week – following a massive storm over various parts of the province yesterday, causing flooding and leaving a countless number of properties damaged.

According to reports via social media that poured in from motorists and residents, the thunderstorm – which was accompanied by hail – had caused considerable damage. The Cradlestone Mall in Krugersdorp was hit hard, as were other parts of the West Rand.

According to ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, two people were injured when a ceiling collapsed in a shop at the mall.

“Paramedics, along with Life Healthcare and other services, found that some of the external structure of the mall had collapsed. Once inside the shops, paramedics found that some of the ceiling had collapsed on the patrons.

“Two people were assessed by paramedics and found to have sustained minor to moderate injuries. Fortunately, there were no serious or fatal injuries at the scene,” he said.

“Security members from the mall evacuated the area, while paramedics treated the two patients. Shortly after, both patients were transported to a nearby hospital.”

Reports of office buildings in Sandton being flooded were also reported.

A traffic nightmare faced a number of motorists who tried to rush home, only to be caught in the downpour.

Some opted to wait under bridges, while others, according to pictures posted, had their vehicles washed away.

This included incidents at the Gillooly’s Interchange. Johannesburg Emergency Services had their hands full in collating the extent of damage and possible deaths or injuries by early evening.

The South African Weather Services issued a storm alert yesterday morning for Gauteng – warning residents to expect hail, heavy rain and damaging winds between 7am and 5pm.

Forecaster Madimetja Phema said Gauteng experienced off and on showers over the past few days due to a cutoff low – a system that creates favourable conditions for rain.

“The cut off low is in central parts of the country and is now moving out – that’s what is causing severe thunderstorms,” Phema said.

“There are no more storms for the rest of the week. We are going into a dry week.”

Other affected areas included Alexandra, Bedfordview, Benoni, Centurion, Fourways, Johannesburg central, Soweto Edenvale, Kempton Park and the various highways.
– yadhanaj@citizen.co.za