Destructive Tornado Hits Pretoria North

In an alarming display of nature's power, a tornado tore through Pretoria North on February 18, 2025, leaving a trail of devastation. The ferocious storm struck during a severe weather event, wreaking havoc in Montana and other suburbs. Trees were uprooted with a terrifying ease, roofs were brutally torn off buildings, and vehicles were left battered in its wake.

Emergency response teams, including the efficient Tshwane Emergency Department, rushed into action to assess the aftermath. Thankfully, there have been no confirmed fatalities, a testament to both luck and preparation. On social media, residents like Moipone Selepe shared harrowing tales of their encounters, describing terrifying moments driving through the storm. Charlotte Maake abandoned her car to find safety, illustrating the intense fear people experienced.

Warnings and Weather Service Response

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) was quick to respond, initially issuing a level 5 warning for severe weather. As the situation worsened, they upgraded it to a level 6 warning, emphasizing the looming dangers of flooding, potential power outages, and serious traffic disruptions. This was a call to arms for the City of Tshwane, urging residents to stay clear of flooded areas and remain informed through trustworthy channels.

Reports of flooding came in from Mabopane and Parys, casting a shadow over the entire region. In Johannesburg, officials were on heightened alert, brace themselves for possible impacts even though the city thankfully experienced no major incidents. SAWS continued to play an active role, monitoring the situation closely and issuing updates as needed.

Contributing to this extreme weather, climate expert Dr. Christien Engelbrecht highlighted the influence of La Niña conditions, which often bring intense rainfall and storms to southern Africa. The current forecast suggests that these conditions may become neutral by May, offering a potential reprieve from the volatile weather.