A severe local storm struck the municipality of Florida in Camagüey on Wednesday, resulting in damage to five homes, disruption of the electrical grid, and the toppling of over a thousand trees.
The storm occurred around 5:40 PM near the Muñoz reservoir's water intake, according to information shared on the Florida de Cuba Facebook page.
Initial reports reveal that five homes suffered direct damage, and more than a thousand trees, including fruit and other forest varieties, were uprooted. Some of these trees fell onto power lines, causing electrical service interruptions in the community.
Images released after the storm depict uprooted trees, scattered debris, roof damages, and large areas of affected vegetation.
One photograph even shows a column of air appearing to touch the ground in a field. Authorities have yet to confirm if a tornado was involved.
During the storm, Pedro Pablo Sáez Herrera, a journalist from Radio Florida, shared a video capturing the anxiety of residents as the storm approached. "Get inside, it’s coming through here, it’ll tear the roof off," a voice is heard saying as the wind column moves through the area.
Following the storm, officials from the Municipal Civil Defense, Housing sector representatives, and workers from the Basic Electric Organization arrived to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts.
The adverse weather also impacted other parts of the province. Mario Labarcena Castillo posted images on Facebook of a severe hailstorm in downtown Camagüey, where several streets ended up flooded and covered in hailstones.
This province has experienced numerous severe weather episodes during the current rainy season. Back in July, a hailstorm downed trees and caused power outages, affecting both the Provincial Hospital and the Oncology Hospital.
Later that same month, another severe local storm with hail hit central Camagüey.
Florida had previously witnessed a high-altitude tornado in May, although no material damage was reported then.
Regionally, the Atlantic is monitoring tropical system AL96, with a 90% chance of development, though it had no confirmed path toward Cuba during the Florida event. Despite this, severe local storms remain a persistent threat during Cuba's rainy season from May to October, with Camagüey among the most vulnerable areas.
Understanding Severe Storms in Camagüey
What caused the damage in Florida, Camagüey?
A severe local storm caused significant damage, including the destruction of five homes and the uprooting of over a thousand trees, which led to electrical disruptions.
How did the authorities respond to the storm in Florida, Camagüey?
Officials from the Municipal Civil Defense, along with housing and electrical sector representatives, evaluated the damage and initiated recovery efforts following the storm.
Has Camagüey faced similar weather events in the past?
Yes, Camagüey has experienced several severe weather events, including hailstorms that caused significant damage in July and other severe local storms throughout the rainy season.