‘Tornado-like’ storm wreaks havoc in Ermelo

NATIONAL NEWS - A storm – suspected by residents to be a tornado – caused major damage in isolated areas in Cassim Park, Ermelo, on Wednesday.

South African Weather Service forecaster Celeste Fourie said the possibility of severe thunderstorms had been predicted for the area, but she was unable to confirm ‘if a tornado did touch down’.

According to Highvelder, reports and short video clips shared online by residents show intense winds and flying debris but lack clear indicators typically associated with a tornado.

Additionally, it is difficult to determine if the brief footage captures the start, middle, or end of the event, complicating efforts to verify its specifics.

The publication states that a journalist who visited the affected locations found widespread destruction, including uprooted trees, damaged roofs and carports, downed electrical poles and wires, collapsed walls and fences, damaged ceilings within homes, and scattered debris.

A journalist from Highvelder recorded video footage of the damage.

Damage at Cassim Park at Tilly Passenger Services. Photo: Wayne van der Walt/Highvelder