Homeowners and motorists in Alberton, Gauteng, will hope that their insurance covers acts of god after the damage dealt on their properties by Friday’s hailstorm.
Gauteng hit by harsh hailstorm
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) sounded off the alarm about torrential weather that was earmarked for parts of Gauteng this week, specifically Johannesburg, Pretoria North and Krugersdorp.
The severe thunderstorms were expected to cause considerable damage to property and vehicles, with localised flooding an inevitability for low-lying areas and bridges.
So far, SAWS’ predictions have been spot on. The weather forecaster expects these severe thunderstorms to travel past areas in Groblersdal, Witbank, Kempton Park and Middelburg, as the day progresses on Friday.
Watch: Homes, vehicles damaged in torrential weather
Those who opted to stay at home and shelter themselves from the hailstorm shared images and videos of the events unfolding outside.
While for some, the sight of hail in South Africa’s tropical season was a spectacular view of climate change, others felt the pinch with damaged property and vehicles.
ADVERSE WEATHER WREAKING HAVOC IN GAUTENG. HAIL & FLOODING. HARD HATS & LIFE RAFTS NEEDED.@SAPoliceService @TrafficRTMC @_ArriveAlive @GTP_Traffstats @JoburgMPD @TMPDSafety @cci_network pic.twitter.com/Cc2cVQeo74
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) February 26, 2021
2/2 ADVERSE WEATHER WREAKING HAVOC IN GAUTENG. HAIL & FLOODING. HARD HATS & LIFE RAFTS NEEDED. THIS IS ALBERTON NOW @SAPoliceService @TrafficRTMC @_ArriveAlive @GTP_Traffstats @JoburgMPD @TMPDSafety @cci_network pic.twitter.com/HYGGHxWYYY
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) February 26, 2021
AVOID TOM JONES STREET. BENONI. COE. GP. AT LAKESIDE MALL OVERHEAD BRIDGE.@SAPoliceService @TrafficRTMC @_ArriveAlive @GTP_Traffstats @JoburgMPD @TMPDSafety @cci_network pic.twitter.com/kFRXido2gA
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) February 26, 2021
More pictures of the hailstorm in Benoni (via Reenval SA FB). Hail areas currently observed are Benoni, Joburg south, and other areas in Ekurhuleni. This storm system is currently weakening but Warning remains in place. pic.twitter.com/CeICp2wJrX
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 26, 2021
@SAWeatherServic @tWeatherSA @StormReportSa New Redruth, Alberton Never seen it like this before pic.twitter.com/Jk7QsVtb4P
— Janine Broodryk (@broodrykjanine) February 26, 2021
Alberton weekend weather forecast: 27-28 February 2021
By all accounts, Gautengers will have to brace the wet weather all weekend, according to Ventusky readings. On Saturday, the presence of thunderstorms in the region will persist between 400 and 600 joules per kilogram (J/kg), with light-to-moderate showers expected.
As the stormy weather progress in a southwesterly direction, the weather will remain wet in Gauteng, on Sunday. This should be the last of the torrential weather in the region, though.
Parts of the Western Cape will most likely be graced by trickles of the wet weather, from Monday, Ventusky predicts.
Residents affected by the torrential weather are advised to stay indoors and avoid driving at all cost.