The aftermath of a severe and extremely destructive storm that struck the Goldfields area at approximately 13:15 on Friday 14 November has resulted in hundreds of thousands of rands worth of damage across the region.
Heavy hail, gale-force winds, and electrical storms terrorised residents as torrential rain lashed the area. On Friday, over a period of less than two hours, some 109mm of rain fell over Welkom; whilst approximately 5cm of hail, resembling a carpet of snow, covered the ground.
Severe intense cut-off low
Earlier on Friday, the South African Weather Service had warned of a severe intense cut-off low that would bring heavy rainfall and dangerous storms over much of South Africa later in the day. However, the ensuing force of nature that struck the Goldfields exceeded all expectations.
Residents experienced widespread destruction, including collapsed shade netting, extensive hail damage to vehicles, infrastructure, roofs, roof tiles, swimming pools, walls, and shattered windows. Gardens throughout the region were devastated. Roads and traffic circles in Welkom and surrounding areas were severely flooded.
Reckless driving as residents attempted to escape the storm resulted in accidents. Dangerous potholes were submerged beneath floodwater, and motorists could not see the hazards lurking in the deep water across flooded areas.
Severe flooding
François Klaassen, assistant fire chief at the Matjhabeng Municipality, confirmed reports of severe flooding affecting homes and roadways following the storm.
“The strong winds brought down a large tree in Welkom, and severe damage and flooding occurred in the informal settlements in Kutlwanong, Thabong West, Hani Park, the wetlands around Bronville and Hani Park, and on the outskirts of Welkom.”
National roads flooded
After Friday’s storm, Constantia Road in Welkom was severely flooded, with additional flooding reported on the Theunissen Road, Wesselsbron Road, Odendaalsrus Road, and the route between Odendaalsrus and Kroonstad.
Klaassen explained that much of the flooding in Welkom resulted from the collapsed stormwater drainage system, which overflows during heavy rainfall events.
“This flooded system pushed water up into surrounding houses,” he noted.
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