Mini Tornado Strikes Northland Camping Ground, Injuring One Person and Lifting Caravans

A sudden and powerful windstorm, described as a mini-tornado, struck a camping ground in Northland, leaving one person injured and two caravans lifted from the ground. The incident has raised concerns about the unpredictable nature of local weather patterns.

The event occurred at the Tauranga Bay Holiday Park near Kaeo on Tuesday morning. Northland Civil Defence confirmed that the area was hit by high winds, potentially leading to a small tornado. According to reports, two caravans were lifted off the ground, trapping one individual and resulting in moderate injuries.

Fire and Emergency NZ responded to the incident, as emergency crews were called in after reports of a "huge gust of wind" causing significant damage. A video circulating online appeared to show a campervan flipped onto its side, capturing the severity of the situation.

St John, the country's emergency medical service, assessed the injured person and described the condition as moderate. The individual was transported to Bay of Islands Hospital for further treatment. Meanwhile, MetService issued a warning for the region, citing the risk of thunderstorms and strong wind gusts of up to 80-100kph.

Although the storm has passed, the incident highlights the potential dangers of sudden weather changes in the region. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates.

The event has sparked conversations about the need for better preparedness in areas prone to extreme weather. As the weather continues to be unpredictable, the community remains vigilant, hoping for more stable conditions in the coming days.