The area experienced a tornado touchdown, pounding hail and record low morning temperatures. The tornado crossed about 64km, resulting in almost R150-million in damages. The most recent confirmed tornado occurred this year, when an F3 tornado passed through Taaiboschspruit Farm in Mpumalanga on January 3. A tornado emerges from what is called a supercell or rotational thunderstorm. About 65 per cent of South African tornadoes are classified as light damage (F0 or F1). This after a tornado ripped through New Hanover, Pietermaritzburg, on Tuesday afternoon, killing two people, injuring twenty, and damaging homes and public infrastructure. It is imperative that people heed to the call and warnings given prior to such disasters. The tornado ripped through areas surrounding Mount Ayliff and Tabankulu, leaving mass destruction in its wake. Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. The Roodepoort tornado of November 26, 1948 travelled about 64 kilometres, caused an estimated six fatalities and 100 injuries. A rare tornado killed two people, injured 20 others and flattened homes and schools when it ripped through the KwaZulu Natal Midlands in South Africa on Tuesday night. }); About – For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Tornadoes can last from several seconds to more than an hour, and they usually occur over land. The community in Mpolweni had more than 200 houses before the tornado, but yesterday only four complete structures remained. Another one of the worst tornadoes the country has experienced is the Harrismith tornado which hit on November 15, 1998. Mobile Phones Turn your Screen Sideways to Fit Content, F? The tornadoes injured people in several states, and damaged homes and churches, officials said. Falling and flying debris cause most deaths and injuries during a tornado. The Waco tornado carved a path up to 1/3 mile wide through the heart of the city's downtown, reaching F5 intensity the day after Mother's Day, 1953. Tornadoes can last from several seconds to more than an hour, and they usually occur over land. Remember: If you are in a ditch or low-lying area, be alert for flash floods that may accompany tornadoes. Tornadoes can also occur in many other areas of the world as well. 3 South America. An estimated 750 homes over a 9km path were destroyed, three airplane hangers were damaged or destroyed and about 15 people injured. Tornadoes in South Africa are among the most devastating natural disasters. Most of them have been observed in Gauteng, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, along the escarpment, a line from Pietermaritzburg to Ladysmith and the northern region of the Eastern Cape. target_type: 'mix' Sometimes, South Africa's summer thunderstorms can turn violent, producing hail. The icy weather that has gripped vast swathes of the country over the last few days is extraordinary. From flooded CBD streets and severely damaged informal settlements in Durban, to snow-capped peaks in the Drakensberg and now, a tornado in … window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Seven families had their homes destroyed, as well as approximately 200 hectares of pine forest, due to this storm. South Africa is no stranger to tornadoes although they are not as severe as ones experienced in other countries. A tornado is a violent rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm and is much smaller in diameter, typically less than a few hundred metres, but some are larger than 1 km. Sponsored 3902. Infographics - The Different Types of Tornadoes | What is a Supercell?Copyright subsists in this material - Please read copyright notices on this web site. mode: 'alternating-thumbnails-a', Up to 4000 homes were destroyed, causing more than R230-million worth of structural damage. COVID-19 Corona Virus Some tornadoes strike rapidly without time for a tornado warning. Most of them have been observed in Gauteng, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal (along a line from Pietermaritzburg to Ladysmith) and the northern region of the former Transkei. As you can see from our extensive database of recorded tornadoes above, South Africa is no stranger to tornadoes. 2.2 New Zealand. Seeing that tornadoes are not an everyday event and considering the unpredictable nature of weather, here is everything you need to know about tornadoes and what to do when one makes an appearance. Tornadoes and Flooding are 2 of the worst causes of natural disasters in the country. If neither is available, find shelter under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a work bench or heavy table and hold on to it. and EF4 Tornado Survivor) of TornadoWatchSA | Join Storm Watch SA- SA's No 1 in Storm Reports & Severe Weather UpdatesInformation Kept Updated by Zac Muller & SAWX. placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails', Weather at Your Fingertips - The Ultimate Weather Resource for South Africa, AfriWX.co.za is one of Southern Africa's busiest mobile weather web sites with well over a million users.Please contact us for a rate card if you would like to advertise. To stay safe during a tornado, the CDC recommends having these items on hand: – Fresh batteries and a battery-operated TV, radio, or internet-enabled device to listen to the latest emergency weather information; – A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, and for people with special needs; – An emergency kit (including water, non-perishable food, and medication); and. • Use your arms to protect your head and neck. Coupled with earthquakes, they can leave a lot of damages behind. – A list of important information, including telephone numbers. About 95% of residents in the area were left homeless and 25 people were killed, while about 500 people were injured. contact us for a rate card if you would like to advertise, Satellite Weather Images for Southern Africa, Global Forecast System (GFS) forecast model maps (WXMaps), Long Term Extended 3 Months Rainfall Outlook Maps, State of Dams (Reservoirs) in South Africa, Cloud Cover Forecast Maps with Black Clouds Mode, Waves Forecasts, Ocean Swells and Sea Surface Temperatures, ENSO - El Niño and La Niña Updates for Southern Africa, Tornado (Eyewitness Report | Photos No Video). Join our Exclusive Free Whatsapp Weather & Storm Watcher Group by Clicking Here. According to the South African Weather Service, a tornado, from the Latin word tornare (to turn), is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm, between the earth’s surface and a cloud. Some experts warn that tornadoes could become more frequent in the country due to global warming. The tornado ravaged areas around Mount Ayliff and Tabankulu, leaving mass destruction. If unable to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. Outbreak produced the Candlestick Park tornado, which was an extremely violent F5 tornado or tornado family that killed 58 people and traveled 202.5 mi (325.9 km) across Mississippi and Alabama. (F scale Unknown) - F0 - F1 - F2 - F3 - F4 - F5 - P (Possible Tornado) - WS (Water Spout) - LS (Land Spout) - FC (Funnel Cloud) - DD (Dust Devil) - GN (Gustnado)If you find any errors kindly report them to contact@sawx.co.za. The South African Weather Service (Saws) on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of tornadoes hitting parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga. It's estimated around 95% of residents in the area were left homeless, 25 people were killed and about 500 people were injured. Yes, tornadoes happen in Africa too. • If outdoors, get inside a building if possible. Tornado developing over Tembisa moves toward Bapsfontein side and then dissipates. They have been recorded in Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America as well as in North America. ;-) … Faizel Patel | about a year ago JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado hit the Mpolweni area near Hanover in KwaZulu-Natal midlands. On Tuesday November 12th, a large tornado ripped through New Hanover and Wartburg near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. When a tornado ripped through Alabama, several towns outside of Birmingham were affected, including the town of Fultondale.The tornado’s destruction … While tornadoes are relatively rare in South Africa, rising temperatures and levels of evaporation due to global warming may contribute to an increased number of thunderstorms, which creates the perfect conditions for tornadoes, warns Stellenbosch University geography lecturer Jan de Waal. July 26, 2016. It's often portended by a dark, greenish sky. Most tornado events in the country occur in the late afternoon or early evening when thunderstorms normally start to develop. • If at home, go to a basement or cellar, away from windows. 3.2 Brazil. This image, shared widely on social media, of a man pointing at the tornado in the distance, has already become iconic. container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails', PICS: KZN tornado devastation leaves two dead, … South Africa has a history of tornadoes, many of which have created massive destruction over the decades. This is a video recorded using a phone in South Africa when there was a tornado. It is one of the longest such paths on record and one of only four official F5 tornadoes to hit Mississippi. Field research on tornadoes is particularly difficult due to their short lifespan, the small area affected by them and the low probability of re-occurrence at a particular point. Advertising South Africa has a history of tornadoes, many of which have created massive destruction over the decades. According to the National Climatic Data Center, the state averages just 17 tornadoes a year.While 17 may seem like a substantial number, compared to the twister-prone state of Texas, which averages 35 to 159 tornadoes per year, Michigan's yearly tornado count is relatively low. Protect your head with anything available. There were 90 tornadoes reported in the United States in January, of which 88 were confirmed. The largest tornado ever recorded was in Welkom in the Free State on March 20, 1990. Harrismith had a very severe tornado which struck on November 15, 1998 travelling some 9 kilometres and destroying 750 homes, 3 airplane hangers and injuring 15 people. The following weather signs may mean that a tornado is approaching: – A loud roar that sounds like a freight train. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), tornadoes can occur basically anywhere where a thunderstorm is possible. About the tornado: It wasn't immediately clear how many tornadoes struck the region. However, South Africa is the only country in the African continent to ever report a violent tornado. About 65% of tornadoes in South Africa have been classified as F0 or F1 (light damage). Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others. The Atlantic Ocean was busy Thursday with two tropical storms, three disturbances and a new wave forming off the coast of Africa, according to the National Hurricane Center. Tornadoes are violent rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm and are much smaller in diameter, typically less than a few hundred metres, but some are larger than 1 km. “Tornadoes are among the most violent and destructive of all weather phenomena, but despite the significant amount of research into the origin and prediction thereof, the phenomenon is still not fully understood or predictable,” states the weather service. We always have the latest up to date Satellite Weather Images for Southern Africa and Beautiful Animated Satellite Images with no need for users to be fiddling with trying to refresh their browsers to get the latest images, we take care of that all for you through our custom server technologies. The country’s deadliest tornado, the Mount Ayliff tornado, occurred in the Eastern Cape on January 18, 1999 and was classified as F4 (violent). Images Courtesy: NOAA Photo Libraryand Matt MrTornado, Information Below of all Recorded South African TornadoesInformation Compiled & Supplied by Zac Muller (Meteorologist S.A.C. Most of the events occur in mid-summer from November to January, although a large number of tornadoes have occurred in spring and early summer (September and October) and in the late summer and autumn (February to May). Get out of the vehicle immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. Some experts warn that tornadoes could become more frequent in the country due to global warming. They are part of a severe weather system moving east before the Christmas holiday. Tornadoes can be life-threatening and severe damage can be done to property from violently whirling wind and debris hurled through the air. Avoid rooms such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias or large hallways. • If in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Tokelo Chiloane said tornadoes … The SA Weather service said that tornadoes are not uncommon in South Africa, and normally occur in the spring and summer period, an SA Weather Service forecaster said. SAWX – Weather Forecasts for South Africa has also posted several satellite images. Black storm clouds gather. Up to 4000 homes were destroyed, estimated at more than R230-million worth of damage. Weird weather struck Davis, California, over the weekend. _taboola.push({ Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. If you notice any of these conditions, take cover immediately, and keep tuned to local radio and TV stations or check the internet. A tornado is a violent rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm and is much smaller in diameter, typically less than a few hundred metres, but some are larger than 1 km. This is a video recorded using a phone in South Africa when there was a tornado. – Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, centre hallway). Fields or buildings may sustain severe damage, but even if the tornado is not in your immediate vicinity, flying debris can also cause damage or death. If you are in a car, do not try to outrun a tornado but instead find the nearest sturdy building. 1. This Weather Site is a work in progress and new features are being added frequently. Our GFS Weather Maps available in 1-7 days in advance in 00z and 12z times (00HR, 12HR, 24HR, 36HR, 48HR, 60HR, 72HR, 96HR, 120HR, 144HR), as well as 2 Week or 15 Day Extended Rainfall Forecasts and even Long Term Extended 3 Months Rainfall Outlook Maps We have a variety of other Weather Resources like the State of Dams (Reservoirs) in South Africa, Rainfall Predictions and Daily Recorded Rainfall Figures, WebCams, Wind Maps, Cloud Cover Forecast Maps with Black Clouds Mode, Waves Forecasts, Ocean Swells and Sea Surface Temperatures, Animated Satellite Photos, Solar Space Weather, ENSO - El Niño and La Niña Updates for Southern Africa, South African Weather Blog and more. The number of tornadoes in South Africa is likely to increase as thunderstorms grow more severe, experts say. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), tornadoes can occur basically anywhere where a thunderstorm is possible. South African Resource Portal, rising temperatures and levels of evaporation, A whirlwind history of tornadoes in South Africa, F3 tornado passed through Taaiboschspruit Farm. Louis Tornado” killed 255 people and injured 1,000 on May 27, 1896, in Missouri and Illinois. This is basically a ‘normal’ thunderstorm, which consists of warm moisture near the surface and relatively cold, dry air above, with increased wind strength which changes direction and is rotational in nature. Tornadoes in South Africa are not strange occurrences, they have been experienced for over a century since Weather recordings first began. Tornadoes can occur anywhere where a severe thunderstorm has formed. 3.1 Argentina. Surprisingly, if atmospheric conditions are just right, tornadoes can also develop. We also provide the latest up to date Global Forecast System (GFS) forecast model maps (WXMaps) in a format customized specially for South Africa giving you a 7 day outlook on predicted weather patterns. The largest tornado ever recorded in the country was when a multi-vortex tornado raced through the suburbs of Welkom in the Free State on March 20, 1990, with a 240 km long severe storm front and a width of up to 1.7 km. This is after pictures of so-called tornadoes … Seeing that this is not an everyday situation and considering the unpredictable nature of these events, here is everything you need to know about tornadoes and what to do when one makes an appearance. If a tornado occurs over water, is called a water spout. It is apparently still unclear why some thunderstorms create tornadoes and other don’t which makes them very difficult to predict. Initial surveys indicated EF-3 tornado damage in Nashville's Donelson neighborhood and … 700 homes were destroyed resulting in approximately R150-million in damages. Ts & Cs Tornadoes are natural disasters that are not a regular occurrence in South Africa, although a few incidents have presented themselves last year. If a tornado occurs over water, is called a water spout. The “St. Tornadoes are an infrequent visitor to Michigan. Most tornadoes occur in mid-summer from November to January, although many tornadoes have occurred in the spring months of September to October and in the late summer and autumn month February through May. 3.3 Chile. A massive tornado ripped through parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, on Tuesday with several video posts showing it hit New Hanover outside Pietermaritzburg in the KZN Midlands. AfriWX brings a variety of weather resources for South Africa to you in the palm of your hand. 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