Johannesburg emergency services on alert after strong winds rip roof off [video]

Johannesburg emergency services have placed disaster response teams on high alert as more severe thunderstorms and heavy rain threaten the city over the weekend.

The alert follows a destructive night in Linden, where strong winds tore a large section of the roof from an apartment block, forcing eight families to evacuate.

Strong winds damage Linden apartment block

According to Eyewitness News, strong winds swept through parts of Johannesburg, uprooting trees and scattering debris.

Residents inside the Linden apartment block heard metal clanging as the wind battered the building.

Video footage from a neighbouring building shows part of the roof lifting before the wind ripped it away, leaving the building’s rafters exposed.

VERIFIED: Footage of weather-damage to an apartment building in Linden, Johannesburg.

The incident occurred during the bout of heavy winds yesterday afternoon.

No injuries were reported, eight families were evacuated.

The neighbour who took the video told EWN… (below) KJ pic.twitter.com/jMHQpKAWV2

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter)

September 5, 2026

When Eyewitness News visited the apartment block, insulation and other debris lay scattered across the premises.

Residents declined interviews but confirmed that nobody was injured.

Emergency services are now working to help restore the affected premises while disaster teams remain on standby.

More thunderstorms expected

The latest alert comes as forecasters warn of more severe thunderstorms and heavy rain across parts of Gauteng and surrounding provinces.

A Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms covers the southern Gauteng.

The storms could bring damaging winds, hail and falling trees, while excessive lightning could disrupt municipal services.

Residents in affected areas should remain alert and prepare for worsening conditions over the weekend.