Pretoria, South Africa — Tshwane Emergency Management Services said the devastating storm uprooted trees and blew off roofs as it tore through various parts of Pretoria North.
EMS spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni confirmed that residents were evacuated after their homes were flooded. “The residents had to be evacuated and sheltered temporarily in the neighbouring units, and our disaster management officials are on scene doing an assessment of the damage and how they can further assist the affected families.”
Emergency response teams, including firefighters and disaster management officials, were dispatched from Innesdale, Wonderboom, and Rosslyn fire stations.
“Upon arrival, the firefighters found out that there was significant damage caused by the storm which uprooted some trees and blew away the corrugated iron roof sheets of the buildings, carports and other structures in the area along the Sefako Makgatho Drive,” Mnguni stated.
As part of the city’s contingency measures, affected residents have been evacuated and are temporarily sheltered in neighbouring units.
Emergency services are also responding to a high number of calls related to flooding incidents across the city, with teams deployed to Mabopane and Pretoria North.
Severe weather warning across multiple provinces
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 6 warning for heavy rainfall and potential flooding in Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga on Wednesday. Widespread showers and storms are expected through Friday morning, February 21 (2025), affecting North West, Gauteng, the northern Free State, highveld areas of Mpumalanga, and southwestern Limpopo.
In the North West, relentless rains have led to flooded roads, affecting major routes such as the N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole, N12 near Stilfontein, R30 between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, and the R503 at Hartbeesfontein.
The central parts of the country will experience an 80% chance of showers and thundershowers until Friday, while the rest of the country has a 30% to 60% chance of rain.
Weather outlook for the week ahead
Severe weather conditions are expected to persist throughout the week. Heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms will continue to impact several provinces:
- Gauteng: Widespread showers and thunderstorms, cool temperatures.
- KwaZulu-Natal & Eastern Cape: Heavy rain along the coast and adjacent interior, increasing risk of flooding.
- Free State & North West: Prolonged thunderstorms, with flood warnings in place.
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga: Cloudy with intermittent showers and potential flash flooding.
- Western & Northern Cape: Extreme fire danger warnings, particularly along the West Coast and Cape Winelands in Cape Town.
SAWS cautioned that “the tropical airmass is expected to cause disruptive rain during this week, with amounts in the region of 30 to 50mm daily.”
Tshwane residents urged to remain vigilant amid adverse weather conditions
As EMS continues to monitor the ongoing adverse weather conditions, residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during the persistent rainfall. The City has issued a call to communities to observe the following safety measures:
- Stay Indoors: If possible, remain indoors and avoid contact with metal objects, which may attract lightning.
- Avoid Outdoor Activities: refrain from outdoor activities such as fishing or playing golf during the rain, as fishing rods and golf clubs can act as lightning conductors.
- Seek Safe Shelter: do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall structures – such as metal poles, antennas and buildings – during a thunderstorm, as this can increase the risk of being struck by lightning.
Emergency assistance
Residents in need of fire, rescue, or emergency services can contact the following numbers:
- Toll-Free Emergency Line: 107
- Alternative Numbers: 012 358 6300 or 012 358 6400
The City emphasises the importance of staying alert and prepared as the adverse weather conditions persist. Your safety is a priority.
