Cuba experiences several tornadoes in less than a week: Hail and flooding impact Cienfuegos

The tornado in Aguada de Pasajeros, Cienfuegos, is the fourth severe phenomenon reported in Cuba in a week—three tornadoes and one waterspout—reflecting the increase in extreme weather events.

Tornado strikes Aguada de Pasajeros, CienfuegosPhoto © Collage Facebook / Raydel Ruisanchez

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A new severe weather event was recorded this Saturday in the municipality of Aguada de Pasajeros, in the province of Cienfuegos, where the occurrence of a tornado, hail, intense rains, and flooding was reported.

In just one week, three tornadoes and a waterspout have been reported in Cuba, a troubling sign of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events on the island.

According to meteorologist Yosmelvi Páez Cornell, confirmed on his Facebook profile, the tornado occurred around 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, during a Severe Local Storm (SLS).

Facebook Capture / Yosmelvi Páez

The phenomenon was accompanied by a waterspout, very heavy rain, and hail, although there are no images of the hail.

"There is indeed visual evidence of the tornado and the flooding caused by the intense rains," specified Páez.

The specialist also indicated that there was preliminary damage, although no details have been provided regarding material or human impacts so far.

On its part, the specialized page Vigilancia Tropical confirmed the TLS in the same area, describing the presence of a tornado, a waterspout, hail, and heavy rain.

Facebook Capture / Tropical Monitoring

The report was also issued on Saturday, mentioning the meteorological observation technician Ricardo Barrio Hernández as a collaborator.

In addition to these reports, meteorologist Raydel Ruisanchez noted on Facebook that Saturday afternoon was again characterized by multiple severe local storms in various regions of the country.

In addition to the event in Aguada de Pasajeros, it was noted that in Vertientes, Camagüey, there were also hailstorms, strong gusts of wind, and heavy rain, accompanied by visible damage caused by the wind.

Facebook Capture / Raydel Ruisánchez

The images circulating on social media show the development of the tornado in Aguada de Pasajeros, as well as areas flooded by the rains.

In another image taken at the same event, a second cloud with tornadic characteristics can be seen, which, according to experts, did not fully develop.

This new episode brings the total number of officially reported tornadoes in Cuba to four in just seven days, raising alarms among enthusiasts and specialists in meteorological monitoring.

In just a few days, Cuba has been shaken by a wave of extreme weather phenomena, with at least three confirmed tornadoes and a waterspout impacting various provinces of the island.

The most recent was a waterspout south of Havana, spotted from various coastal areas last Saturday. Although it did not make landfall, its presence was visible and extensively documented by citizens and specialists.

The phenomenon generated alerts regarding the increasing atmospheric instability in the western region of the country.

A day earlier, the municipality of Güira de Melena in Artemisa was caught off guard by a short-lived but highly intense tornado, which left behind impressive images captured by residents.

The wind columns devastated trees, power lines, and rooftops, as the phenomenon moved through urban areas.

Subsequently, it was reported that the material damage included more than twenty homes, in addition to impacts on the electrical supply and water networks, although no human losses were reported.

Another similar event was documented in the Noris neighborhood, in the municipality of Holguín. There, an urban tornado was captured by witnesses who managed to film the moment it moved between buildings.

The tornado affected lightweight structures and caused power outages, with no preliminary reports of injuries.

These incidents, occurring within such a short period, heighten concern among specialists and residents due to the increase in the frequency and aggressiveness of these events during the Cuban summer.

The succession of tornadoes and waterspouts in various regions of the country suggests a pattern of instability that could persist, raising the risk level for communities exposed to severe local storms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes and Extreme Weather in Cuba

How many tornadoes have been recorded in Cuba in the last week?

In the last week, four tornadoes have been recorded in Cuba. This increase in tornado frequency is alarming and reflects a growing atmospheric instability in the region.

What weather phenomena accompanied the last tornado in Cienfuegos?

The last tornado in Cienfuegos was accompanied by hail, intense rains, and flooding. According to meteorologist Yosmelvi Páez Cornell, these conditions were part of a Severe Local Storm (SLS) that impacted the region.

What is the cause of the recent weather instability in Cuba?

The recent weather instability in Cuba is due to a combination of factors such as a trough in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere, high humidity, and daytime warming. These elements have contributed to the formation of severe local storms and tornadoes.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.