This Friday afternoon, central Camagüey was battered by a severe local storm accompanied by hail, strong winds, and numerous lightning strikes, as forecasted by the provincial Meteorological Center.
The event was thoroughly documented and reported by the Camagüey Meteorological Center, which is affiliated with the CITMA and the Provincial Government. They issued the first Severe Local Storm alert at 4:10 PM, warning of an active and intense line of storms in the central and northern parts of the province.
The local Weather Station recorded a rainfall accumulation of 42.3 mm and peak winds reaching 68 km/h from the north-northwest during the storm.
According to meteorological authorities, the hail that fell in the city center was roughly the size of a pea. It was accompanied by heavy rain and electrical discharges, which many residents confirmed witnessing.
The torrential rains led to flooding in low-lying areas, particularly impacting the most central parts of the city.
A witness, who captured the hailstorm from Parque Agramonte in the heart of the historical district, described the event as "An incredible hailstorm with movie-like winds!"
At 4:20 PM, the Meteorological Center reported an additional and unusual occurrence: a high-altitude waterspout near Ignacio Agramonte International Airport.
A high-altitude waterspout is a visible vortex hanging from a cumulonimbus cloud without touching the ground; it is classified as a tornado if it reaches the surface.
Friday's storm is part of a pattern of atmospheric instability that has repeatedly impacted Camagüey during the 2026 rainy season.
On July 10, a hailstorm knocked down trees and caused power outages affecting the circuits of the Provincial Hospital and the Oncological Hospital in the city.
Before that, on June 13, a storm with pea-sized hail affected the Los Coquitos district, and on April 24, large hail fell for approximately six minutes in Ingenio Viejo.
The province also recorded high-altitude waterspouts on May 29 in Florida and June 15 in Vertientes, with neither event touching the ground nor causing damage.
The Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) has projected above-average temperatures and near-normal rainfall for the summer of 2026. These conditions are conducive to the formation of convective cells with significant vertical development capable of producing hail, strong winds, and waterspouts.
Understanding Severe Weather Events in Camagüey
What are the characteristics of a high-altitude waterspout?
A high-altitude waterspout is a funnel-shaped vortex that extends from a cumulonimbus cloud but does not reach the ground. If it touches the surface, it becomes classified as a tornado.
How does hail size impact storm classification?
The size of hail is a crucial factor in classifying storm severity. Larger hail can cause significant damage to structures and vegetation, marking a storm as more severe.
What weather conditions lead to the formation of convective cells?
Convective cells form under conditions of high temperature and humidity, which promote vertical air movement and can lead to severe weather, including hail and strong winds.