A tornado tore through parts of Welkom, Free State, on Sunday, 5 January 2025, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Watch: Tornado causes extensive destruction in Welkom
The tornado caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, particularly in the Matjhabeng Municipality.
The Welkom Fire Station was among the structures hardest hit, suffering severe damage that disrupted its communication lines.
Emergency services have provided alternative contact numbers—083 580 6160 or 057 916 1100—to ensure residents can report incidents while repairs are underway.
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Residents captured the tornado’s dramatic appearance on video, sharing clips on social media that showed the storm’s intensity and the devastation it caused. Authorities have since been assessing the damage and assisting displaced residents as cleanup efforts begin.
No injuries have been reported as of Monday morning, but residents have been advised to exercise caution and report hazards.
Weather warnings for Monday, 6 January 2025
The SA Weather Service has issued several warnings for adverse weather conditions on Monday, as the country faces widespread rainfall and storm activity:
- Orange Level 8 Warning: Along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, disruptive rainfall is expected to cause widespread flooding, danger to life, and significant infrastructure damage.
- Orange Level 6 Warning: Most parts of KwaZulu-Natal, except the southwest, are forecasted to experience flooding, displacement of communities, and damage to roads and property.
- Orange Level 5 Warning: Severe rainfall with risks of flooding and infrastructure damage is predicted in Gauteng, south-central Limpopo, Highveld, Mpumalanga’s escarpment, northeastern Free State, and southwestern KwaZulu-Natal.
- Yellow Level 2 Warning: Localized flooding and damage to low-lying areas and infrastructure are expected in Free State, North West, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.
In the Free State, conditions are expected to remain cloudy and cool to warm, with scattered showers and thundershowers, particularly widespread in the eastern parts of the province.
