Tornado Rips Through Pretoria, Leaving Destruction in Its Wake

Pretoria faced a terrifying encounter with nature's fury on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as a violent tornado unleashed chaos across the Tshwane metropolitan area. The event was part of a broader episode of severe weather engulfing various provinces, causing significant disruptions and destruction. Homes and cars bore the brunt, with certain spots resembling disaster zones.

Torn Buildings and Displaced Residents

The tornado tore through a residential complex situated on Veda Street near Enkeldoorn Street, a place that saw considerable mayhem. Roofs didn't just creak; they completely tore off, sending corrugated iron flying through the exposed streets. Living spaces, now open to the heavens, succumbed to relentless rain. Beyond roofs, external geysers disintegrated, depriving many of essential water heating.

Immediate action was necessary. Emergency services rapidly arrived, prioritizing the safety of residents by moving them to temporary shelters. Meanwhile, disaster management teams roved the scenes, calculating the sheer scale of damage and efficiently orchestrating relief plans.

Local tales captured the collective fear: Moipone Selepe, one resident, recounted a fearful drive amidst swirling winds, feeling dread at every turn. For others, like Charlotte Maake, abandoning her vehicle became a means of survival, choosing to flee on foot over risking her life.

Warnings and Weather Patterns

The havoc wasn’t isolated. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) flagged serious warnings, illustrating the broader scope of the tempest. Orange level 5 and 6 advisories were dispatched not just for Gauteng but extended to regions like Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The warnings weren't mere words; they were precautions against expected torrential rain, fearsome hail, and sweeping floods.

Other areas weren't spared either. Mabopane and Parys witnessed severe flooding, leaving residents clinging to rescue operations in the face of fast-moving waters. As Dr. Christien Engelbrecht from SAWS explained, the current weather phenomena could be attributed to La Niña conditions, with expectations of easing by May.

Safety remains paramount. Uppermost on everyone's minds was how to navigate this unpredictable weather. Staying indoors during tempests, avoiding waterlogged roads, and anchoring down loose outdoor objects was the advice echoed across households. For those driving, reducing speed and maintaining safe separation between vehicles was a necessity to counter the slippery dangers posed by the rain-slicked roads.

The tornado in Pretoria was a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable power and the importance of readiness when skies turn ominous.