A severe local storm on Saturday afternoon caused significant flooding in various areas of Las Tunas, leading to electrical outages and damage to agricultural crops, according to official sources. The correspondent from the Cuban News Agency (ACN) in Las Tunas reported that the storm was accompanied by "strong winds, lightning, and an intense local accumulation of 133.5 millimeters (mm) of rain."
The Meteorological Station located in the provincial capital of Las Tunas recorded 79 mm of rainfall and a wind gust of 73 km/h by 6:00 pm, when it was still raining but with less intensity, according to Alexey Moreno Borges, the technical deputy director of the Meteorological Center.
The meteorological event left impressive images of flooding in the city of Las Tunas. Followers of independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada sent a video showing water flowing through the city. The footage was recorded in the La Loma neighborhood, very close to the provincial bus terminal, the journalist noted. He also mentioned that the rains caused flooding on 48th Street between 67th and Waldemar Díaz.
Meteorological experts indicated that this local storm was due to favorable conditions and intense daytime heating, with a maximum temperature of 35.0 degrees Celsius that day. Additionally, they highlighted the significant and sustained lightning strikes that occurred over more than two hours of heavy rain.
Periódico 26 from Las Tunas reported multiple disruptions to the electrical service caused by the storm, which are still being addressed. Currently, the TK10 circuit, which powers the La Caldosa and El Cornito areas, is affected, as stated by René Rocío Pupo, the deputy director of the Electrical Company in Las Tunas, to the state media outlet. The TK5 circuit, from the Azcuba entrance to Río Potrero, is also affected, with several interruptions between tripped transformers and impacted residential services.
The official warned that five work teams are currently searching for and resolving each of these issues, including one team from the municipality of Puerto Padre that came to support the provincial capital.
Understanding the Impact of Severe Storms in Las Tunas
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent severe storm in Las Tunas and its impact on the community.
What caused the severe storm in Las Tunas?
The storm was caused by favorable weather conditions combined with intense daytime heating, leading to strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sustained lightning strikes.
What areas were most affected by the storm?
The La Loma neighborhood and the area around the provincial bus terminal were particularly affected, along with 48th Street between 67th and Waldemar Díaz.
How is the electrical service being restored?
Five work teams are currently addressing the electrical outages, including one team from Puerto Padre that came to assist the provincial capital.