Update: Storm wreaks havoc in Colenso
In about 10 to 20 minutes, about 35mm of rain fell
A powerful storm with stinging rain, strong winds and hail wreaked havoc in Colenso last night.
The bridge was blocked due to tree branches that broke off and in turn also damaged electricity cables.
A tuck-shop was damaged, with the roof and solar panel geyser blowing off. Stock inside was also damaged.
A BMW motor vehicle got stuck in the water that came pouring down the roads, turning roadways into veritable rivers as flash flooding hit the area. One of the emergency vehicles pulled the BMW out of the water.
The R103 was completely blocked, causing a backlog of traffic to build up at the entrance to Colenso. The backlog was cleared relatively quickly by police and Colenso emergency personnel.
Police arrived not long after the hail began falling, and emergency personnel quickly cut up the tree that was blocking the bridge and removed the pieces so that traffic could flow again.
One of Colenso’s Standard Bank ATMs was struck by lightning and was damaged. Colenso Supermarket was also severely damaged due to water getting inside the shop. It is still unknown where the water got in, but it is suspected that it came through the roof.
In about 10 to 20 minutes, about 35mm of rain fell. There have been no other reports of injuries or damage to property.
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