WATCH: 'Tornado' hits parts of Randfontein
A severe storm, which some have likened to a tornado, hit parts of Randfontein on Wednesday.
The stormy season has officially arrived in Gauteng with strong winds and heavy rain, prompting the SA Weather Service to issue several warnings.
On Wednesday, the West Rand of Gauteng felt the full extent of this stormy weather after what seemed like a tornado ripped through parts of Randfontein.
Watch here:
Tornado/storm over parts of Randfontein, West Rand. pic.twitter.com/HOjXu3Dnpb
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 27, 2024
Buildings, houses, and cars were left damaged as a result of the storm, and emergency services had to assist residents in dealing with the aftermath.
According to Jacaranda FM News, at least 24 people were left injured.
READ: Kids as young as 12 can get married in South Africa
One question remained as residents were left to pick up the pieces after the storm: Was it actually a tornado?
The SA Weather Service confirmed that it was still investigating whether what most people likened to a tornado, was actually a tornado.
eNCA spoke to a meteorologist at VOX Weather, Annette Botha, about the storm.
Botha said that she believes it wasn't a tornado that hit parts of Randfontein on Wednesday.
"It looks to me that it might have been a landspout instead of a tornado," she said.
She added that the SA Weather Service will, however, still investigate, and they will finally confirm.
The difference between a landspout and a tornado
According to Botha, a landspout develops and forms from the ground and then rotates up to create a column at the base of a cloud.
READ: Costs of driving vs flying from Joburg this holiday season
A tornado, on the other hand, usually starts rotating at the base of a cloud "of a supercell" and then rotates down.
Tornados are usually more severe and longer-lived, but that doesn't mean that landspouts can't cause severe damage, as seen in the videos circulating on social media.
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', on weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
IMAGE: X/ Screenshot