Hoax alert: SAWS rubbishes rumours of Ekurhuleni tornado tonight

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is not happy with social media users spreading hoaxes of severe weather in Gauteng tonight.

In a fierce tweet published on Tuesday evening, SAWS guarded users against misinformation stating that residents of Ekurhuleni should prepare for a “tornado and heavy rain tonight”.

“Creating such hoaxes is illegal! Always check your facts with our website [social media] pages. Don’t share false messages — it causes unnecessary stress on DM and leads to panic,” it urged.

01/10/19-We are aware of a hoax circulating, warning Ekurhuleni residents of a tornado & heavy rain tonight

Creating such hoaxes is illegal! Always check your facts with our website/ FB/Twitter pages. Don't share false messages-it causes unnecessary stress on DM & leads to panic

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) October 1, 2019

SAWS response seemingly addresses a number of tweets published on Tuesday, which falsely suggest that a tornado is “expected in Boksburg and Kempton Park”.

“80mm to 100mm of rainfall is expected with winds exceeding 80 km/hr between Alberton and Vereeniging tonight,” the tweet adds.

A number of users have taken to the social network to ask authorities if the information is indeed true. However, SAWS has rubbished these reports.

@City_Ekurhuleni is true? Dear Ekurhuleni resident , the City of Ekurhuleni would like to warn the residents of tornado expected in Boksburg and Kempton Park. 80mm to 100mm of rainfall is expected with winds exceeding 80 km/hr between Alberton and Vereeniging tonight. Regards,Coe

— TheRealSiphoMofokeng (@mofokeng_sipho) October 1, 2019

@City_Ekurhuleni is this true? pic.twitter.com/ugxfkk4o7L

— #ItsOn 🎧🔊 (@DjMphoza) October 1, 2019

SAWS’s official forecast for Wednesday indicates a gentle breeze and sunny, clear conditions across eastern Gauteng.

Feature image: Andy Walker/Memeburn