On Sunday afternoon, social media users reported the appearance of a "funnel cloud" in Camagüey province during a fierce electric storm. Despite its dramatic presence, the phenomenon did not make landfall or cause any harm. Fermín Antonio Peña Sánchez took to Facebook, stating, "A strong electric storm in Florida at 4 p.m. led to a 'funnel cloud,' though the exact location is yet to be determined; it seems it was 'cut off' in time." He included a series of clear photographs capturing the meteorological event.
Yosmelvi Páez Cornell, the creator of the Facebook channel Aficionados a la Meteorología (AALM), shared that at 5:15 p.m., a funnel cloud was spotted in the Florida municipality, within Camagüey province. The Camagüey Meteorological Center confirmed this through their Facebook profile, noting that a "tromba in the air" was reported from Florida, classifying the event as a severe local storm.
In an additional post, the Camagüey Meteorological Center emphasized the increasing convective activity over the province, with electric storms primarily affecting the central region. Known as a funnel cloud, this rotating structure descends from a storm cloud, typically a cumulonimbus, and can evolve into a tornado if it reaches the ground. In this instance, social media reports concur that the funnel dissipated before touching down.
Recently, Cuba has faced a troubling series of severe local storms, characterized by hail, strong winds, and significant electrical activity. Last Wednesday, a violent storm hit Unión de Reyes in Matanzas, with wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h, toppling trees and damaging roofs on homes, a local pharmacy, and the INDER judo gymnasium. Experts from the Provincial Meteorological Center attributed this to a trough at mid and lower atmospheric levels.
That same day, hailstorms were reported in several western provinces, including Pinar del Río, Mayabeque, Artemisa, and Villa Clara. In places like Juan Pedro Carbó in Placetas, Villa Clara, residents and meteorologists noted electrical disruptions and partial roof collapses on social media. The following day, atmospheric instability persisted in the west, with a brief tornado in Chamizo, Pinar del Río, and another severe local storm in San Juan y Martínez, marked by heavy hail and lightning strikes. Specialists linked these recurrent events to a combination of upper-level troughs, high humidity, and daytime heating, conditions that foster extreme weather during this season.
Understanding Severe Weather Phenomena in Cuba
What is a funnel cloud?
A funnel cloud is a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a storm cloud, typically a cumulonimbus. It can develop into a tornado if it touches the ground.
Why are severe storms becoming more frequent in Cuba?
The increase in severe storms in Cuba is attributed to a combination of upper-level troughs, high humidity, and daytime heating, which are conducive to extreme weather conditions.
What damage did the recent storm in Unión de Reyes cause?
The storm in Unión de Reyes resulted in wind gusts over 90 km/h, causing trees to fall and damage to the roofs of homes, a pharmacy, and the INDER judo gymnasium.