Watch the dramatic video capturing the moment a tornado struck Levin, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.
On Tuesday morning, Trish Wilkinson was lying in bed when she suddenly heard a thunderous clap, which she later realized was the tornado wreaking havoc in the small town.
This tornado unleashed its fury, tearing off roofs, toppling fences, and sending trampolines soaring through the air.
READ MORE: ‘Stupid, wrong’: Billionaire supporters turn on Trump
She reported that a trampoline and a fence were damaged near her property due to the tornado’s powerful winds.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared with Stuff that he was sitting in his lounge when he first heard the rain start to fall.
“And then it intensified, heavier and heavier, until the whole house shook, accompanied by a loud bang and a chaotic noise,” he recounted.
READ MORE: Trump threatens China with monster new tariff as global markets plunge
Upon stepping outside, he immediately noticed a trampoline in his yard.
“Then, I saw my tree on the footpath, and at the back of my house, the dividing fences between neighbors had collapsed, along with my own fence facing Wilton Street,” he explained.
Fire and Emergency assistant commander Craig Gold described the scene in town as a “madhouse,” with sheds reduced to bits of tin and trampolines flying like kites.
Gold reported that the tornado hit at 7:45 AM, moving through the west side of Adventure Park, down the main road, and along Wilton Street before lifting off at Playford Park.
Despite the extensive damage to several properties, thankfully, there were no injuries reported.
Emergency crews responded to multiple reports of broken fences, fallen trees, and significant damage at the Top 10 Holiday Park.
Sheds at the site were left scattered, reduced to mere scraps, he noted.
READ MORE: Two kids have died in the Texas measles outbreak. Could that happen here?
Gold, accompanied by Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden, mentioned that the council had activated its emergency operations center.
Gold reiterated the chaos in Levin, where trampolines were everywhere, lifted by the tornado’s winds.
He noted that some trees on Oxford Street had been cleared, but State Highway 1 was blocked due to fallen debris.
The council’s initial reports indicated that the tornado took down trees, affected utility lines, and lifted roofs and fences.
“Contractors are currently responding and clearing drains. Fire and Emergency teams have been activated, with diversions in place on Oxford Street due to fallen trees. Arborists are working to clear the area,” they stated.
Most of the damage was reported on Wilton and Carlisle Streets.
Damage also occurred in Waikato Beach, a coastal township south of Levin.
“Emergency Management crews are assessing the situation for affected residents. Minimal flooding has been reported,” they added.
