The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FOLLOWING the touchdown of a tornado and a severe thunder storm warning yesterday, flights into and out of the Lynden Pindling international airport were temporarily suspended.

While officials have not recorded any injuries or deaths from the five to 20 diameter twister, around nine small aircraft parked at General Aviation were overturned and substantially damaged. Officials noted that the tornado touched down shortly before 3pm with conditions dissipating by 5pm.

Flights in and out of LPIA resumed shortly afterwards.

Eyewitnesses told The Tribune that it was unbelievable how the strong winds from the tornado tossed the planes.

One person said: “The aircraft were really thrown around like they were featherweight. Being used to hurricanes hitting us, you would think I would be accustomed to strong winds, but it was different seeing how those planes move. And just like that, the winds were done and the tornado was gone.

“I am almost certain that there were two of those things.”

Despite eyewitness confirmation that there were two twisters, officials at the Department of Meteorology would only confirm one.

However, they said, it was likely that the one system duplicated itself.

Officials also said that such weather conditions were a major concern for aviators and mariners.

They advised the general public to seek safe harbour. For residents, officials said it is best to stay indoors and away from windows when conditions deteriorate. Seeking shelter under trees or in water should be avoided as they are lightening conductors.

Authorities are urging persons with aircraft parked at General Aviation to visit the facility to make an assessment of their planes.