A meteorologist has refuted claims that a tornado caused the destructive storm that tore through Randfontein, Gauteng, on Wednesday.
The West Rand community is grappling with the aftermath of the storm, which left buildings, homes, and vehicles severely damaged. Emergency services responded swiftly, assisting residents as they began to recover and assess the destruction.
In response to the incident, the South African Weather Service issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms across Gauteng, signaling the possibility of further weather-related disruptions.
The storm has sparked a heated debate, with some speculating it was a tornado, while others suggest it might have been a landspout. Annette Botha, a meteorologist from VOX Weather, weighed in on the discussion, asserting that the storm was likely the result of a landspout rather than a tornado.
Landspouts, a less intense phenomenon compared to tornadoes, form differently but can still cause significant damage. Botha’s analysis offers clarity as the region continues to recover and prepares for potential future weather events.