Pretoria experienced a massive storm last night, which uprooted trees and caused power outages in various parts of the city.

Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso says no casualties or injuries were reported.

“We take note of multiple incidents that were on social media,” he adds.

🔴 BREAKING: MULTIPLE REPORTS OF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE IN PARTS OF PRETORIA, DUE TO STRONG WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH STORM | 📸 YUSUF ABRAMJEE pic.twitter.com/aAYYCCGhiC

— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) September 19, 2023

Mabaso says there were also reports of shack fires in Soshanguve, fuelled by the storm.

Despite the social media furore, South African Weather Service spokesperson Lehlohonolo Thobela says the severity of the wind was not unusual.

Winds travelling at speeds of up to 28 knots, or around 60km per hour, as recorded last night, are ‘expected with thunderstorms and are a normal thing’, he says.

“In some parts of Gauteng, the wind speed was at 60 knots (111km/h).”

No further thunderstorms are expected this week, he adds.

Ward 59 councillor Shaun Wilkinson says a huge part of the region is still without power. Some have been without power since last night, and others since the early morning.

“On the official group, we have no responses, feedback, or updates regarding the cause of the outages, but I have received reports, messages, and videos of fallen trees, sparking wires, exploding boxes, and even substations burning.”

The South African Weather Service had earlier warned of spring’s first thunderstorms.

⛈First Spring thunderstorms over the eastern parts of SA. A lot of storms around GP this evening (19 Sept 2023). These storms are producing strong winds but not a lot of rain. pic.twitter.com/ux7I1HtvHG

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 19, 2023

Pretoria and Johannesburg had the worst last night , thought the world might end 😳 pic.twitter.com/L4RgxpKPrv

— #NativeOfBelaBela (@tsheko2020) September 20, 2023