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.

https://twitter.com/mofokeng_sipho/status/1179072009277497344

https://twitter.com/DjMphoza/status/1179061962325528583

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

Feature image: Andy Walker/Memeburn