PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — A rare tornado tore through parts of Westmoorings, Trinidad, earlier this afternoon, damaging several homes and leaving parts of the area without electricity.

The twister, which reportedly began as a waterspout offshore, was captured on video as it moved swiftly toward land, sending residents into panic.

A compilation of video footage taken by residents in Trinidad

Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, confirmed that several streets within Cherry Crescent were affected. “We have situations where tree branches and other debris would have fallen on top of roofs and damaged it as well,” Minister Ameen said, describing the incident as “a very traumatic situation for families.”

Homeowners are now grappling with water damage after flooding soaked furniture and appliances.

While no injuries have been reported so far, authorities warn that continued rainfall could worsen conditions for residents already affected.

Response teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage and assisting households impacted by the sudden storm.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (OPDM) statement issued following the incident noted that “thunderstorm activity, including an isolated tornadic event, caused damage to residential properties in parts of Northwest Trinidad, while torrential rainfall led to street and residential flooding in some areas.” As such, it noted, there have been reports of damaged roofs, blown off roofs, and flooding and debris in the roadway.

The summary of impacted areas include:

Diego Martin Borough Corporation (DMBC)
Westmoorings: (tornadic event)
-Cherry Crescent
-Westland Avenue
-St Anthony’s Drive

Chaguaramas:
Tucker Valley Road is currently impassable to all vehicle types due to flooding.

San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation (SJLRC)
Maracas:
Old Bay Road (street and residential flooding)