The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that the tornado observed near Rand Airport in Germiston this week has been officially classified as an EF0 tornado, the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
In a statement, SAWS said no significant damage was reported during on-the-ground assessments.
The only visible impacts were:
- Broken tree branches at a nearby golf course
- Localised puddles and muddy conditions from heavy rainfall
- No structural damage or injuries reported
“An EF0 tornado typically has wind speeds between 105-137km/h and causes minor damage, such as fallen branches and light roof damage,” SAWS explained.
Community Calm After Viral Clip
The tornado drew attention on social media after video clips showed a funnel cloud forming during a thunderstorm.
However, local residents confirmed there were no disruptions or visible destruction linked to the event.
Despite its low classification, SAWS cautioned that all tornadoes pose a threat and should be treated seriously.
“While EF0 tornadoes are relatively weak, they remain dangerous weather phenomena, and the public is urged to always exercise caution during severe thunderstorms.”
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