Staff Reporter.
Heavy rain and hail caused havoc in parts of Gauteng.
The SA Weather Service warned of a severe storm moving to Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, with large amounts of small hail, strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The weather service issued a level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms from the afternoon until midnight.
The thunderstorm was expected over the southern parts of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, spreading to the northern parts of both districts, with hail, strong winds and heavy downpours leading to localised flooding.
Video clips of flooded roads, a flooded hospital in Alberton and schools were shared on social media.
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
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
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said by around 1.30pm there had been no serious incidents reported in Johannesburg.
“We remain on high alert monitoring all seven regions of the city, “he said.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has also issued a warning of strong winds for personal water crafts and vessels expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Aghulhas.