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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed on Monday that a short-lived tornado touched down in the Bishopstowe area of Pietermaritzburg during a violent storm the previous evening.
According to meteorologists, the event was triggered by a localised “weak storm” that began rotating due to the area’s unique curved topography.
The situation intensified rapidly between 17:20 and 17:40 as stronger weather systems moved in from the west, creating the ideal conditions for a tornado just before sunset.
The storm caused extensive damage across multiple suburbs, including Lincoln Meade, Hayfields, and Scottsville.
High winds uprooted trees and tore down power lines, resulting in widespread electricity failures throughout Pietermaritzburg.
Significant damage was also reported to local infrastructure, such as the low-lying bridge on Grimthorpe Road, and agricultural losses in the Bishopstowe sugarcane fields.
Emergency teams were deployed immediately to clear debris and begin restoring essential services.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is currently coordinating relief and recovery efforts with the Msunduzi Municipality.
While the destruction to property and vehicles has been substantial, authorities have confirmed that no fatalities have been reported thus far.
Residents have been urged to remain cautious as cleanup operations continue, particularly in areas where electrical infrastructure remains compromised.
