By Byron McDaniel, STAR Writer

walderston, manchester

A strange weather condition which seemed to be a tornado, struck the community of Waltham on the outskirts of Mandeville yesterday afternoon.

During the freak storm, roofs were damaged and at least one utility pole was blown down. Several barrels and garbage cans were also blown away, as were clothes that had been pinned out to dry.

The weather phenomenon which was spinning as it moved, lasted for about 20 minutes. There was no personal injury.

According to one woman, who gave her name as Lorraine Trenchfield, she was at home when she heard the sounds of wind and saw the trees swaying violently.

"I hear pure breeze and rumbling outside and I see a garbage bin in the air and pure garbage flying around," said Trenchfield. "I had to run to close my door. When it was over and I went outside I see a roof blow off and and a light post on the ground," she added.

A representative from the National Meteorological Centre based at the Norman Manley International Airport, told THE STAR that the phenomenon was not observed by the office. He admitted, however, that it could have happened without being detected by their radar.