MATJHABENG – Severe thunderstorms have battered the Goldfields (Matjhabeng) since Friday, with almost 100 mm of rain falling over Welkom, Odendaalsrus and Virginia.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued yellow level 2 warnings for severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours and damaging winds across the central and eastern interior, including parts of the Free State, on 19 April.

On 19 April a strong storm with lightning, thunder and hail struck the Odendaalsrus and Welkom area. Storm Report SA described the event as “heaven opened”. Strong winds and localised storms were also reported near Riebeeckstad.

ALSO READ: Devastating storms batter Free State Goldfields, causing widespread damage and flooding

Trees were uprooted, roofs blown off and structural damage to buildings was reported.

Virginia in the Free State was hit by sustained thunderstorms throughout Sunday afternoon, bringing significant rainfall, hail and strong winds, according to reports from Storm Report SA.

The area experienced multiple waves of thunderstorms throughout the day. Residents described the conditions as “very scary” with dark clouds, loud thunder and intense lightning.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C67RtkxHA

Roofs were blown off, trees uprooted and garden walls collapsed.

Residents reported continuous rain until late afternoon, with a storm that moved in from the direction of Bloemfontein. A sandstorm was reported within an hour of the storm beginning, followed by heavy downpours.

Strong storms were also reported in neighbouring areas, including Odendaalsrus and Welkom, with lightning strikes in Vaalpark, Sasolburg, earlier that day.

The storms were part of a larger weather system impacting much of South Africa with cold, wet and windy conditions.

Significant rain and storms have been reported in and around the region during April, with active weather alerts, particularly during the middle and latter parts of the month in the forecast.