A violent storm recorded on the afternoon of this Monday caused severe damage in several areas of the Cuban capital, with significant impacts in the La Víbora neighborhood, located in the 10 de Octubre municipality.
Fallen trees, damaged power lines, blocked streets, and widespread blackouts were reported by residents, who described the event as sudden and alarming.
Images shared by the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) on their Facebook profile, taken just a few meters from Parque Córdoba, show trees split in half, branches obstructing public roads, and damaged electric poles.
"At the moment, a strong wind picked up and the sky turned really ugly," "It was a tremendous thunderstorm, with heavy rains," several neighbors reported in the comments.
Other citizens confirmed the magnitude of the phenomenon in various parts of the capital. “In Lawton, it was quite intense. Everything turned dark in seconds, and the rain came down fiercely.”
"In Vedado, it was terrible. I haven't experienced a storm like that in a long time," noted an internet user.
This episode takes place hours after a possible tornado was reported near José Martí International Airport, southwest of Havana.
In videos shared on social media, a rotating column of air can be seen accompanied by intense bursts of wind, raising alarms about a potential severe storm in progress.
In a statement released on Monday night, INSMET clarified that what occurred was a manifestation of strong gusts of wind associated with severe local thunderstorms, and not a tornado, as was initially speculated.
"It was the occurrence of a severe local storm (TLS), characterized by heavy downpours, thunderstorms, very strong wind gusts, and hail in some areas," explained INSMET in its official statement.
According to the institution, the atmospheric conditions of the day, characterized by intense heat, high humidity, and instability at high levels of the atmosphere, contributed to the development of these severe storms in several areas of the western part of the country, affecting sectors of Boyeros, Arroyo Naranjo, Diez de Octubre, Plaza de la Revolución, and other locations in the central-southern part of Havana.
Frequently asked questions about the storm in Havana and its consequences
What caused the violent storm in Havana?
The violent storm in Havana was the result of strong gusts of wind associated with severe local thunderstorms. According to the Meteorological Institute (INSMET), the combination of intense heat, high humidity, and atmospheric instability fostered the development of these storms.
Was there a tornado in Havana during the storm?
Although there was initial speculation about the presence of a tornado, INSMET clarified that no tornado occurred in Havana. What was observed were strong wind gusts due to severe thunderstorms, although a weak tornado was reported in Santiago de Las Vegas, near José Martí International Airport.
Which areas of Havana were most affected by the storm?
The most affected areas included the neighborhood of La Víbora in the 10 de Octubre municipality, Plaza de la Revolución, and Boyeros. In these locations, fallen trees, damage to electrical lines, and hail in some areas were reported.
How have the authorities responded to the damage caused by the storm?
The authorities have been working on the assessment and recovery of the affected areas, including the restoration of power lines and debris removal. Furthermore, the population has been kept informed about the weather conditions to prevent future incidents.
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