Tornado in Montana wreaks havoc on Buildings and Cars in Pretoria North

Pretoria – A tornado has caused significant damage to various buildings, vehicles, and other properties in Montana, Pretoria North.

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department has mobilized emergency response teams, including firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Operations Division and officials from the Disaster Risk Management Section, to address the situation in Montana, Pretoria North, where extensive damage occurred due to a tornado.

The incident was initially reported as flooding to the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) on Tuesday evening, 18 February 2025, around 18:00.

“The ECC promptly dispatched firefighting resources from Innesdale Fire Station, Wonderboom Fire Station, and Rosslyn Fire Station to the affected area,” stated the City of Tshwane Emergency Services in a release late Tuesday, 18 February 2025.

The dispatched resources included a swift water rescue unit, a rapid intervention unit, a video unit, and a district commander’s unit.

“Upon arrival, firefighters discovered considerable damage from the storm, including uprooted trees and blown-away corrugated iron roof sheets from buildings, carports, and other structures along Sefako Makgatho Drive,” the statement noted.

“The residential complex on Veda Street, near Enkeldoorn Street, was severely impacted, with several buildings experiencing major damage, particularly on the upper floors and roofs. External geysers and corrugated iron roof sheets were ripped from their mounts by the fierce winds, leaving the units vulnerable to rainwater intrusion.”

“Rainwater infiltrated the structures, resulting in water damage on the top floors of the residential units.”

Residents were evacuated and temporarily sheltered in nearby units.

Disaster Management officials were present at the scene conducting assessments of the damage and devising ways to assist impacted families.

“The City of Tshwane also received reports of flooding incidents in other areas such as Mabopane, Pretoria North, prompting additional deployments of fire and rescue operations units to provide assistance.

“Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in these incidents.

We urge communities to remain vigilant.”

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services recommended the following safety measures for residents:

• Whenever possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects that may attract lightning. Avoid outdoor activities like fishing or golfing during rain, as equipment can attract lightning.
• Don’t take shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during a thunderstorm.
• Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution where roads may be slippery or visibility is reduced.
• Move to higher ground if you observe rising water levels.
• Avoid traveling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding, and do not attempt to cross swollen streams.

The Emergency Services Department stated it will continue to monitor weather conditions and remain alert for any potential emergencies.

Residents are “strongly encouraged” to stay informed and keep track of current weather forecasts.

In the meantime, the South African Weather Service has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms expected to persist into the weekend.

To report any fire or rescue incidents, call the toll-free number 107, or contact 012 358 6300/6400.

When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, articulate clearly, provide your location, give the correct address, and offer your contact number to allow the operator to reach you if necessary.