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Severe thunderstorms hit parts of Gauteng

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Several people have been injured and the roof of at least one building has collapsed in heavy storms that are lashing parts of the south and west of Johannesburg.

ER24 Spokesperson Werner Vermaak says emergency services are attending to several incidents caused by the heavy rains, hail and strong, damaging winds.

Areas in Florida are without power and several trees have been uprooted, blocking roads.

Vermaak says at least one structural collapse has been reported at a mall in Lenasia, South of Johannesburg.

Reports were received that a roof collapsed at one of the malls.

By the time paramedics arrived on scene, bystanders indicated that some people were already transported to nearby hospitals.

Local fire and emergency services attended the scene.

Six people were injured in a taxi collision on the N12 near Impala road.

Several occupants sustained deep cuts and fractures.

Reports of several minor collisions were also received during the storm.

Earlier, the South African Weather Service warned of severe thunderstorms in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, on the Gauteng East Rand, Mogale City and Randfontein on the West Rand on Saturday evening.

In an alert on its website, the weather service says hail, strong winds and heavy downpours that could lead to flash flooding are expected.

The storms accompanied by large hail have already hit southern Westonaria and the Grasmere area south of Johannesburg.

Severe thunderstorms are also experienced in Northwest in the Pilanesberg and Rustenburg areas.

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