GOLDFIELDS, FREE STATE – A severe and extremely destructive storm struck the Goldfields area in the Free State at approximately 13:15 on Friday, 14 November, leaving a trail of devastation across the region.
Heavy hail, gale-force winds, and electrical storms terrorised residents as torrential rain lashed the area. On Friday alone, some 109mm of rain fell in a matter of two hours, whilst approximately 5cm of hail covered the ground like a thick blanket of snow. By Sunday 163mm had rained in the Goldfields.
Extensive property damage
Residents experienced widespread destruction, including collapsed shade netting, extensive hail damage to vehicles, infrastructure, roofs, swimming pools, and even walls and windows. Gardens throughout the area were devastated by the severe weather conditions.
François Klaassen, Assistant Fire Chief at Matjhabeng Municipality, confirmed reports of severe flooding affecting both residential properties and major roadways. “The strong winds brought down two large trees, and severe damage in the informal settlements has been reported,” he stated.
Major road networks affe
The Constantia Road in Welkom was severely flooded, with additional flooding reported on the Theunissen Road, Wesselsbron Road, Odendaalsrus Road, and the route between Odendaalsrus and Kroonstad. These conditions significantly disrupted regional transport networks.
Klaassen explained that much of the flooding in Welkom resulted from the collapsed stormwater drainage system, which overflows during heavy rainfall events. “This flooded system pushed water up into surrounding houses,” he noted.
Continued weather challenges
Continuous and heavy rainfall over the weekend compounded the initial destruction from Friday, causing additional waterlogging and damage throughout the region. The prolonged precipitation has hampered recovery efforts and created ongoing challenges for residents and emergency services.
Weather service warnings
On Friday, the South African Weather Service had issued warnings regarding a severe intense cut-off low-pressure system that would bring heavy rainfall and dangerous storms across much of South Africa.
On Monday, skies over the Goldfields remained ominous and dark, with meteorologists predicting additional rainfall for Tuesday, 18 November, raising concerns about further flooding and damage to already vulnerable infrastructure.
Ongoing impact
The severe weather event has highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather conditions and the urgent need for improved stormwater management systems to prevent similar flooding incidents in future.
Emergency services continue to monitor conditions and assist affected residents as the region braces for potential additional severe weather in the coming days.
You must be logged in to post a comment.