A powerful tornado ripped through a farm approximately 15 kilometres outside Middelburg on the Stoffberg road this afternoon (Thursday, 1 January), leaving extensive damage to buildings and property and terrifying residents. Thankfully, there were no fatalities reported, and residents say the storm struck within seconds.
The tornado struck at around 17:45, developing suddenly and without warning which has left a trail of destruction and a young boy injured.
Resident, Brenda van Wyk said she was inside the house making coffee when the weather turned violent. “I suddenly heard the zinc roofing and the buildings rattling. Within seconds, the tornado was tearing through the farm,” she said.
According to residents in the area, three visible contact points of the tornado were seen as it moved across the property, ripping corrugated iron roofing from buildings and scattering debris across the yard and surrounding fields.
Roof tiles were torn loose, steel sheets were twisted and flung aside, and several structures sustained severe damage. The Middelburg-tornado caused scenes of collapsed patio roofs, exposed beams and debris strewn across the property.
During the storm, Brenda’s young son, was struck on the head by a flying metal sheet. He did not sustain serious injuries. “He is okay and everyone else is okay – thank God…” Brenda said, still in shock.
While no lives were lost, the damage is described as extensive.
“We have enormous damage. I have never in my life experienced anything like this. I have never seen such devastating weather damage,” she said.
Residents in and around Middelburg are urged to remain alert as severe summer storms continue to affect the region.
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