Six aircraft were among the items tossed about as a funnel cloud closely resembling a tornado touched down at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) yesterday.

Officials at the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) said that the airport’s tower was forced to shut down temporarily yesterday as a precautionary measure.

Meteorologist Clyde Johnson from the Department of Meteorology confirmed to the Journal that the funnel cloud touched at around 2:45 p.m.

“It came down fast,” he said, “and dissipated quickly as well.

The tunnel cloud appears to have been the result of impending severe thunderstorm.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for New Providence and North Andros for most of the afternoon yesterday.
Ricardo Hart from General Aviation said emergency crews quickly responded to the scene and conducted preliminary assessments.

There were no reports of any injuries and damage to the aircraft appeared minimal.

Forecasters warned that the thunderstorms would be severe at times causing strong gusty winds, dangerous lightning, heavy downpours hail and possible waterspout and tornadic activity.

By late afternoon, NAD officials advised that the airport was again fully operational.