By: Natasha Archary and Puseletso Peterson

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that a tornado has hit Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Speaking to Kaya News Special Projects Exec Producer, Puseletso Peterson, SAWS spokesperson Lehlohonolo Thobela confirmed after viewing videos circulating from the area, that it was likely a tornado.
Thobela said that KZN was issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for extreme winds and heavy rains, brought on by the cut-off low system which may have resulted in the formation of a funnel cloud, or tornado.
“The severe thunderstorm may increase in severity and result in an observation of a funnel cloud or once it reaches the ground, a tornado.
There have been a number of videos circulating about a tornado in KwaZulu-Natal, and considering the observation and squall lines it is possible that a tornado occurred in the area.
We can confirm that due to the instability of the atmosphere around the area, the cut-off low being present over South Africa, the wind share as well as the unstable conditions around KZN, may have made it possible for a tornado to develop.”
SAWS spokesperson Lehlohonolo Thobela
Videos circulating on the Facebook page, Secure SA| Storm Carnage, shows the tornado hitting Tongaat, damaging many homes and a school.
Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, have left a trail of destruction in various areas of eThekwini Municipality.
The most significant damages have been reported in the uThongathi area, parts of the Durban Central Business District, Umgababa and surrounding areas. In the western part of the City, fallen trees have blocked roads in Fields Hill, Gillits and Assagay.
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