A tornado has ripped through the small Bay of Plenty community of Awakeri this afternoon, tearing roofs from homes and damaging several properties along State Highway 30.

Emergency services were called to the area just before 3pm.

“At 2.45pm we received a call advising that a tornado damaged several properties on SH30, Awakeri,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern communications shift manager Paul Radden said.

“We have responded with four crews from Edgecumbe and Whakatāne.

“There have been several properties damaged by the tornado. There have also been roofs lifted off houses.”

Screenshot of rain radar map showing weather over the Awakeri and Whakatāne area. Image / MetService.

Awakeri resident Mark told the Bay of Plenty Times that iron from one neighbour’s roof had blown 250-300m down on to his property, and another neighbour’s garage roof blew off.

He said the storm front blew through quickly about 3pm.

“It was raining hard and then the wind picked up, and there was a loud noise.“

He looked out a window and saw foliage blowing around in the opposite direction to the main wind gusts.

“It blew through quickly then there was hail and rain.”

His wife Leanne said their home had minor damage but still had its roof.

“It was pretty wild. It was loud and then suddenly, it was over.”

Police are also attending, after being notified about 3.05pm, a spokesperson said.

Residents in the wider Awakeri area have reported rain, hail and lots of wind.

At the scene?

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