SAWS identifies tornado of the 'weakest category' in Ekurhuleni

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has classified the tornado that hit Germiston, in the City of Ekurhuleni, under the weakest category.

On Thursday afternoon, most parts of Gauteng experienced scattered thundershowers and near Rand Airport in Germiston, a tornado was spotted.

Forecasters visited the area on Friday morning to assess the damage and found only some broken branches, puddles and muddy conditions caused by the rainfall.

Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela explained: “The South African Weather Service has classified the event as an ef0, the weakest category on the enhanced Fujita scale, with wind speeds averaging 105–137 km/h. Ef0 tornadoes usually cause only light damage, but they can still be dangerous. This serves as a reminder for the public to remain alert during every thunderstorm warning.”