Key Takeaways
- A reported tornado in the Manawatū region injured a man and cut power to nearly 200 properties.
- The tornado lifted a caravan and "thrown it through the air" at a motor camp by Dudding Lake.
- One person was taken to Whanganui Hospital in a moderate condition, while three others were assessed.
- Damage was reported near Bulls, with trees uprooted and damage to small structures.
- The extent of the damage is being assessed, and the public is urged to avoid the area until further notice.
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating incident occurred in the Manawatū region, where a reported tornado caused significant damage and injured a man. The tornado struck a motor camp by Dudding Lake, lifting a caravan and throwing it through the air, with the occupant inside. The incident happened at around 12:40 pm, and emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene. Fire and Emergency NZ reported that a tornado was understood to have gone through the motor camp, and three others were assessed, in addition to the man who was injured.
Damage and Aftermath
The damage caused by the tornado was widespread, with reports of trees being uprooted and small structures being damaged near Bulls. The Rangitīkei District Council said the extent of the damage was being assessed and urged the public to avoid the area until further notice. The council stated that they would keep people updated as more information came to hand. The incident also caused a power outage, with 187 properties affected, according to Lines company PowerCo. The estimated restoration time for the power was 4:30 pm.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one resident, Kereopa Reweti-Wright, saying that his property was "hammered" and he was "gobsmacked" by the level of damage caused by the strong winds. He reported that his brand-new trampoline was twisted in the trees and his implement shed had been torn apart. Another eyewitness, Jamie Stratford, reported that her father’s caravan was picked up and "absolutely flattened" with him inside. Fortunately, her father was shaken but okay, and she has set up a Givealittle page to help him get back on his feet.
Weather Forecast
The incident occurred despite the area not being under a severe weather warning or watch. However, MetService’s earlier forecast for the area included heavy rainfall at times with possible thunderstorms. The forecast mentioned downpours and hail possible from mid-afternoon, with strong southeasterlies turning westerly for a time in the afternoon. The tornado seemed to have caught the residents off guard, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Response and Relief Efforts
The response to the incident has been swift, with emergency services and the Rangitīkei District Council working to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected. The public is urged to avoid the area until further notice, and the council will keep people updated as more information comes to hand. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather events and the need for communities to come together to support those affected. The Givealittle page set up by Jamie Stratford is an example of this, as the community rallies around her father to help him get back on his feet.