The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that the tornado observed near Rand Airport in Germiston on Gauteng’s East Rand on Thursday caused no significant damage.

The event, which sparked concerns after videos circulated on social media, has been classified as an EFO, the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which measures the strength of a tornado based on the damage it causes.

However, the weather service is warning the public to remain cautious during severe thunderstorms.

Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela says even an EFO tornado can still be dangerous.

Thobela adds that only minor impacts were observed, stating that these include broken branches at a nearby golf course and signs of heavy rains due to thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon.

“The South African Weather Service has classified the event as an EFO tornado, the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with wind speeds usually averaging between 105km/h to about 137km/h. The EFO tornadoes usually cause only light damage, but they do still remain dangerous,” says Thobela.

Related video | SA Weather Report – 10 October 2025:

Tornado update: An on-the-ground assessment near Rand Airport found no significant damage. Only minor impacts were noted: broken branches at a nearby golf course and puddles from heavy rainfall. SAWS has classified the event as an EF0 tornado. The weakest category. #saws pic.twitter.com/PXDMhVwE9O

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) October 10, 2025