A tornado struck the municipality of Alquízar in the province of Artemisa this Thursday, reportedly causing minor damage to roofs of houses, according to preliminary reports shared on social media.
The meteorologist Frank Fernández Castañeda reported the phenomenon through his profile on Facebook, where he noted that the tornado occurred a few minutes ago and dissipated after traveling about 800 meters, as it encountered a rain area.
Witnesses cited by the specialist confirmed that the phenomenon had a limited trajectory and its impact was mild, although it caused alarm among residents.
Fernández also shared some videos on social media showing the impression the funnel cloud made on the residents of Alquízar, as well as the strong winds that accompanied the phenomenon.
The user Daniel Rodríguez Pentón also shared images on Facebook showing the damage caused by the tornado, primarily to lightweight roofs of several homes and to electrical lines.
The images confirm that the phenomenon caused visible, though limited, damage to the local infrastructure.
Other social media profiles also shared images and messages that reflected the terror caused by the cloud tail on the afternoon of this Thursday: “The aftermath of the tornado in Alquízar today, May 22, 2025, though it looks like a war zone without a war. What neglect,” wrote a user, referring to the structural damage and the lack of immediate response in the affected area.
Authorities assess initial damages in Alquízar after the tornado
Local authorities in Alquízar began this Thursday the preliminary assessment of the damages caused by the tornado that struck the area.
The First Secretary of the Municipal Committee of the Communist Party, Larexey Batista Ortiz, toured the affected areas along with other figures from the municipal government, reported Radio Artemisa on its Facebook profile.
The damages recorded so far include impacts in the Mayorquín Sur People's Council, specifically in district 9, zone 25, which encompasses CDR 3, 10, and 11, located on 84th Street.
Damage was also reported in sector 8, on 82nd Street, where the phenomenon left visible aftermath.
The damages include partial roof loss, partial wall collapses, and fallen electrical and telephone wires. Technicians from the Municipal Housing Directorate are already on-site assessing the structural damages.
Regarding the electrical system, the president of the UEB Empresa Eléctrica de Alquízar, Pedro Raúl Noriega Díaz, reported that there were breaks in secondary lines and several damaged connections, which has led to interruptions in service.
Similar phenomena have been reported in other areas of Cuba
In December last year, a weak tornado was reported in Güira de Melena, Artemisa province, as confirmed by the meteorologist Raydel Ruisanchez.
The phenomenon was visible as a gray cloud that descended to the ground in rural areas, and its origin was attributed to atmospheric instability conditions caused by a humid flow in the lower layers and intense currents at higher levels of the troposphere.
About three months later, in March, a day of atmospheric instability in the western part of the country resulted in another brief tornado in Chamizo, also in Pinar del Río.
Although the event was short-lived and did not cause damage, it confirmed the continuation of extreme weather patterns. On the same day, in San Juan and Martínez, a severe local storm was recorded, featuring hail, wind gusts of up to 80 km/h, and intense lightning strikes.
In the same week, in the municipality of Florida, Camagüey, a “tail of the cloud” was observed during an intense electrical storm. Although the phenomenon did not touch land, it caused alarm among the residents.
It was confirmed by the Camagüey Meteorological Center as a nube embudo, also known as a funnel cloud, classified as a severe local storm due to its destructive potential had it touched down to the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tornado in Alquízar and Weather Phenomena in Artemisa
What impact did the tornado have in Alquízar?
The tornado in Alquízar caused minor damage to residential roofs and power lines, raising concerns among residents. Despite its limited path, it left visible impacts on the local infrastructure.
How is the situation being assessed after the tornado?
Local authorities have begun the preliminary assessment of damages, with the First Secretary of the Municipal Committee of the Communist Party touring the affected areas. Technicians from the Municipal Housing Directorate are identifying structural damages, and repairs are being conducted on the affected electrical system.
Why do tornadoes and storms frequently occur in Artemisa?
Tornadoes and storms in Artemisa are caused by atmospheric instability due to a humid flow in lower layers and intense currents at higher levels of the troposphere. These conditions, along with daytime heating, contribute to the formation of extreme weather phenomena.
What measures are being taken to prevent future disasters in Artemisa?
Meteorological authorities recommend the population to stay informed through official channels and take precautions in case of thunderstorms, hailstorms, or strong winds. Additionally, assessment and recovery operations are being carried out to minimize the impact of future events.
Filed under: