A powerful storm that hit on Monday afternoon caused significant damage across various parts of Havana, with the neighborhood of La Víbora in the 10 de Octubre municipality being particularly affected. Residents reported uprooted trees, damaged power lines, blocked streets, and widespread blackouts, describing the event as sudden and alarming.
The Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) shared images on its Facebook page, taken near Parque Córdoba, that depict trees snapped in half, branches blocking roads, and damaged utility poles. "Out of nowhere, a strong wind picked up, and the sky turned ominously dark," commented several residents. "It was a tremendous electrical storm with heavy rains," they added.
Other locals confirmed the storm's intensity in different parts of the capital. "In Lawton, it was quite intense. Everything turned dark in seconds, and the rain poured down fiercely," one person noted. "In Vedado, it was horrifying. I haven't seen a storm like this in a long time," remarked another user online.
Surprising Intensity Across Havana
This event occurred just hours after reports of a possible tornado near José Martí International Airport, southwest of Havana. Videos shared on social media showed a rotating column of air accompanied by strong gusts of wind, raising concerns about a severe storm on the move.
In a statement released Monday night, INSMET clarified that the event was caused by strong wind gusts associated with severe local thunderstorms, not a tornado as initially speculated. "It was a severe local storm (TLS), characterized by heavy showers, electrical storms, very strong wind gusts, and hail in some areas," INSMET explained in their official note.
According to the institution, the day's atmospheric conditions—with intense heat, high humidity, and instability at upper levels of the atmosphere—favored the development of these severe storms in various parts of western Cuba, affecting areas such as Boyeros, Arroyo Naranjo, Diez de Octubre, Plaza de la Revolución, and other parts of central-southern Havana.
Understanding Havana's Severe Weather Events
What caused the severe storm in Havana?
The severe storm was driven by intense heat, high humidity, and atmospheric instability, which are conditions that promote the development of severe local thunderstorms.
Was there a tornado in Havana?
No, the Institute of Meteorology confirmed that the event was not a tornado but a severe local storm with strong winds and heavy rain.
Which areas of Havana were most affected by the storm?
The neighborhood of La Víbora in the 10 de Octubre municipality was notably affected, as well as other areas including Boyeros, Arroyo Naranjo, Diez de Octubre, Plaza de la Revolución, and parts of central-southern Havana.