Rain has finally fallen; hailstorms wreak havoc
Following an extended period of drought throughout Gauteng, rain finally fell yesterday, November 16.
The rain follows a mere day after the Ekurhuleni Metro imposed stricter water restrictions.
The metro by Sunday (November 15) reported that in light of the persisting heat wave sweeping through Gauteng and the delayed seasonal rains, that it has no choice but to enforce monetary penalties where residents did not adhere to the restrictions put in place.
By early Monday morning the South African Weather Service had already issued a warning of severe thunderstorms, with the possibility of hail and strong winds.
By early afternoon reports had already been received of hailstorms over Gauteng, and in many other provinces.
The rain follows weeks of heatwaves, water shortages, areas being declared ‘disaster zones’ and farmers struggling to produce, Gauteng has welcomed the wet weather.
In Boksburg, it was reported that the Trichards Bridge was again flooded.
Over the last couple of years the bridge has been a hot spot for flooding, causes at times cars to become stuck under in the water.
This photo was posted yesterday of the bridge:
Beyers Park:
Other photos were also posted of rain throughout Ekurhuleni:
Fallen tree in Parkdene:
Witfield:
Fourways:
* Remember the hailstorm of two years ago?
Two years ago, damaged roofs, broken windows and dented cars set the tone for conversations all over Boksburg after a freak hailstorm hit Ekurhuleni on Monday, November 11.
At the time, climatologist Clive Webber said the hailstorm of 2011 was “nowhere near as devastating” as the one in November, 2013.
Webber said the biggest hailstone he measured after the storm was 32mm, which is classified as golf ball size.
* Tell us your story
Did you experience any damage to your vehicle, or home or business? Did you take photos of the storm?
Sent your details and photos to riaane@caxton.co.za
