WATCH: 'Tornado' wreaks havoc in Welkom
Video clips and pictures of the aftermath are going viral.
Photo: X/Arrive Alive (screenshot)
Residents in Welkom reported experiencing tornado-like strong winds in the Free State city on Sunday (5 January).
Several homes and businesses were damaged, including petrol stations and a fire station.
This follows weather alerts for disruptive rain issued for the area by the South African Weather Service.
Residents took to social media to share pictures and videos of the aftermath.
Tornado in Welkom, South Africa today.
— Disasters Daily (@DisastersAndI) January 5, 2025
There was some damage to the buildings.#tornado #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/ccopb3k2st
Welkom experienced what seems to be a Rope Tornado which caused major damage to the buildings https://t.co/2BI9BRh8nw#ArriveAlive #RopeTornado #Welkom @SCP_SECURITY pic.twitter.com/rBLIiQpzuN
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 5, 2025
Tornado/Storm: Welkom, Free State. pic.twitter.com/oKjFB8MbuR
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) January 5, 2025
Free State - Welkom Fire Station hit by a storm - #Tornado sightings in the area pic.twitter.com/Dj85yITVx2
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) January 5, 2025
Welkom fire station reportedly struck by a Tornado https://t.co/irMVIzgF8M #ArriveAlive #Tornado #Welkom @ReenvalSA pic.twitter.com/69l4beyrHK
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 5, 2025