[Image: WJBF]
A tornado tore through Montana, Pretoria North, on Tuesday evening, leaving a trail of destruction as buildings, vehicles, and other properties took a hammering.
The City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department wasted no time deploying response teams, including firefighters and disaster management officials, to the scene. What was initially reported as flooding to the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) around 6 p.m. quickly turned into something far worse.
Pretoria – #Tornado hits the Montana area around 16:30 today pic.twitter.com/saHrqatSdN
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) February 18, 2025
Firefighting crews from Innesdale, Wonderboom, and Rosslyn fire stations rushed to the area, bringing along a swiftwater rescue unit, a rapid intervention team, and even a video unit to assess the devastation. Upon arrival, they were met with chaos—uprooted trees, carports reduced to rubble, and sheets of corrugated iron torn from rooftops, all scattered along Sefako Makgatho Drive.
One of the worst-hit spots was a residential complex on Veda Street near Enkeldoorn Street. The upper floors took a beating as strong winds ripped off external geysers and roof sheets, leaving homes dangerously exposed to the relentless downpour.
Rainwater seeped in, causing severe water damage, and forcing residents to evacuate to nearby units. Disaster management teams are now on-site, assessing the wreckage and working to assist displaced families.
And Montana wasn’t the only area in trouble. Emergency calls poured in from across Pretoria North and Mabopane, reporting severe flooding. Fire and rescue teams were stretched thin, scrambling to assist wherever possible.
A trail of destruction was left after a tornado swept through Montana Pretoria this afternoon. Damages to many secondhand dealerships, townhouses damaged, roofs blown off, trees broken and uprooted, and electricity outages. Tornados are not common in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/5Utkj6lDAs
— ZeldaS (@ZeldaS6965) February 18, 2025
Despite the destruction, there’s a silver lining—no injuries have been reported so far.
But the worst might not be over. Earlier yesterday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 5 warning for Gauteng, predicting severe weather, including flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements. And with torrential rains expected to continue throughout the week, emergency services remain on high alert.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and avoid crossing waterlogged roads or flooded bridges. The storm isn’t done yet, and the coming days could bring even more chaos.
Stay safe, Pretoria. The skies aren’t done raging.
[Source: IOL]
