GOLDFIELDS, FREE STATE – A severe and extremely destructive storm hit the Goldfields area of the Free State at around 1.15pm on Friday, November 14, leaving a trail of devastation across the region.
Heavy hail, gale-force winds and electrical storms terrorized residents as heavy rain lashed the area. On Friday alone, around 109mm of rain fell in two hours, while around 5cm of hail covered the ground like a thick layer of snow. It had rained 163mm in the Goldfields on Sunday.
Major material damage
Residents suffered widespread destruction, including collapsed shade nets, extensive hail damage to vehicles, infrastructure, roofs, swimming pools and even walls and windows. Gardens across the area were devastated by the harsh weather conditions.
François Klaassen, assistant fire chief at Matjhabeng municipality, confirmed reports of severe flooding affecting both homes and main roads. “The strong winds have toppled two large trees and serious damage has been reported in the informal settlements,” he said.
Major road networks have an influence
The Constantiaweg in Nooit was seriously flooded, with additional flooding on the Theunissenweg, Wesselsbronweg, Odendaalsrusweg and the route between Odendaalsrus and Kroonstad. These conditions have significantly disrupted regional transportation networks.
Klaassen explained that much of the flooding in Welcome was the result of the collapsed stormwater drainage system, which overflows during heavy rainfall. “This flooded system pushed water into surrounding homes,” he noted.
Continued weather challenges
Persistent and heavy rainfall over the weekend exacerbated Friday’s initial destruction, causing additional flooding and damage across the region. The extended rainfall has hampered recovery efforts and created ongoing challenges for residents and emergency services.
Weather service alerts
On Friday, the South African Weather Service had warned of a severe, intensely confined low-pressure system that would bring heavy rain and dangerous storms to much of South Africa.
Skies over the Goldfields remained ominous and dark on Monday, with meteorologists predicting additional rain for Tuesday, November 18, raising concerns about further flooding and damage to already fragile infrastructure.
Sustained impact
The severe weather events have highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved stormwater management systems to prevent similar floods in the future.
Emergency services continue to monitor conditions and assist affected residents as the region prepares for possible additional severe weather in the coming days.
Marti Will
novanews.co.za