Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez reported a day filled with significant atmospheric instability in the western part of the country on Wednesday, with the province of Pinar del Río experiencing severe weather events in two different locations. In a social media post, he explained that around 5:22 PM, a severe local storm was recorded in the municipality of San Juan y Martínez, marked by hail, wind gusts estimated between 43 and 50 mph, heavy rains, and numerous lightning strikes.
Earlier, a tornado was spotted in the Chamizo area, also in Pinar del Río, though it was short-lived. While no damage was reported, the occurrence of the tornado underscores the pattern of instability impacting the region. These conditions are linked to a trough in the middle and upper levels of the troposphere, combined with intense daytime heating, high humidity, and local factors that promote the formation of extreme weather events.
Ruisánchez expressed gratitude to Pinar del Río meteorology specialist Humberto Raúl Acosta González for providing images and information about the events. In a previous post, the specialist warned that despite the trough moving eastward and a decrease in relative humidity, some instability remains in Cuban territory, exacerbated by intense afternoon heating.
At that time, showers, rain, and thunderstorms were being recorded along the southern coast of the provinces of Artemisa and Mayabeque. The meteorologist emphasized the importance of taking precautions during thunderstorms, which are frequent in these meteorological scenarios.
On Tuesday, a severe local storm hit the municipality of Unión de Reyes in the province of Matanzas, bringing linear winds exceeding 56 mph, heavy rains, and hail. This event caused significant damage to the pharmacy in the town of Juan Gualberto Gómez, where the roof was destroyed, as well as to the INDER judo gym, which also suffered substantial structural losses. Hours later, another severe storm affected the town of Juan Pedro Carbó in Placetas, Villa Clara, also accompanied by hail, strong winds, and heavy rains. This time, damages were reported to residential roofs, fallen trees, and power outages, both in Placetas and in the community of Callejón de los Patos in Santa Clara.
Despite the intensity of these events, no human casualties were reported, and local authorities initiated evaluation and recovery operations in the most affected areas.
Understanding the Recent Severe Weather in Cuba
What caused the recent severe weather in Pinar del Río?
The severe weather was caused by a combination of a trough in the middle and upper levels of the troposphere, intense daytime heating, high humidity, and local factors that promote extreme weather conditions.
Were there any damages reported due to the tornado in Chamizo?
No damages were reported due to the tornado in Chamizo, although its occurrence highlighted the ongoing atmospheric instability in the region.
How did the recent storms affect the province of Matanzas?
The storms in Matanzas caused significant damage, including the destruction of a pharmacy's roof and structural damage to a judo gym. Additionally, strong winds and hail were reported.