Suspected tornado flips caravans on their side - widespread damage to homes in Quintrell Downs

Thursday, 23 January 2025 11:04

Buildings, fences, and vehicles have been damaged following a suspected tornado in Quintrell Downs this morning.

Radio Newquay listeners were the first to report scenes of walls and fences down, with images showing rubble scattered along East Road. Homes on Vyvyan Drive were also affected, with some roofs damaged and garage roofs ripped clean off.

Kernow Weather Team say it is very possible this was a tornado, citing the "sudden directional wind change at a near 180 degrees."

Resident Tamsin Williams described the dramatic event:
"It went very dark, and I had to put the lights on, which I thought was rather strange for daytime, and then the rain was really, really heavy. I've never seen or heard rain like it. You couldn't actually see anything out the back window because it was so heavy, and then the roar of the wind was just like nothing I've ever experienced. It took our fence off. My dog didn’t start barking. You can’t believe what you just witnessed."

Firefighters from Newquay Community Fire Station attended the scene, conducting welfare checks before being mobilised to another incident in the village.

Speaking to Radio Newquay, property owner Des Evans said:
"All you could see all stashed down the road was broken tiles, housing roof tiles all over the place. It was like a mini tornado."

Caravans Damaged in Holywell Bay
Police confirm that one person has been treated for minor injuries after caravans were damaged by strong winds at Holywell Bay. Officers remain on the scene dealing with the incident.

Emergency Services Experiencing an Increased Volume of Calls
Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement:
"At this time, this appears to be affecting coastal areas and roads.

Please stay safe, follow Met Office advice on weather warnings, and remain vigilant if driving. Be assured that officers and partners are responding to incidents as they are reported and will continue their efforts."

Previous image Next image

1 of 8

Previous image Next image

More Galleries

Newquay Fire Station Open Day 2026

Two fire appliances left the station on Tregunnel Hill following reports of an incident at a derelict hotel in Newquay. The incident was found to be a false alarm, but the callout gave visitors a real-life demonstration of the crew’s rapid response and t

RNLI Lifeboat Day 2026 at Newquay Harbour. Photos by Michelle Johnson

WhatsApp Image 2025-01-23 at 13.03.52

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Newquay family launches £50,000 appeal to adapt home for four-year-old Jude

A Newquay family is hoping to raise £50,000 to adapt its home for a four-year-old boy living with a rare progressive muscle degeneration condition.
Free community fete to be held in Treloggan

A free community fete featuring local stalls, family activities and live music is being held in Treloggan this September.
St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally promises three days of family entertainment

Steam engines, vintage vehicles, live music and family activities will be among the attractions at this year's St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally.
Newquay world record surfing attempt postponed

An attempt to break the world record for the most surfers riding a single wave in Newquay has been postponed until the October half-term.
Campaigners fear Glendorgal could change before rights inquiry concludes

An application concerning access to the path around Glendorgal Headland will be the next to be allocated to a case officer, Cornwall Council has said.
‘Wind your necks in’ councillors told over Reform UK resignations

It’s been an increasingly regular agenda item at Cornwall Council meetings – the allocation of seats on committees having to be re-decided after councillors jump ship from one political group to another.
Charity relay to celebrate Newquay coach’s 20 years of helping runners

A one-mile relay race will raise money for local charities while celebrating a Newquay coach who has spent 20 years helping people of all abilities take up running.
Price hat-trick leads Newquay sporting weekend

Louis Price scored a perfect hat-trick as Newquay AFC reached the next round of the FA Vase, while there were also wins for Newquay Reserves and St Columb Major, a team podium for Newquay Running Club's runners and success at Newquay Golf Club’s RNLI fundraisers.
Record 150 teams compete in Crantock Bale Push

A record 150 teams took part in the 26th Crantock Bale Push, with competitors travelling from as far as Italy and Scotland.
Controversial seafront development is now ‘undeliverable’

A huge development on Newquay seafront has been abandoned as “undeliverable”, meaning an old hotel will now be demolished with no promise that anything will replace it.
Disposable barbecues could be banned on beaches

Cornwall Council is considering a ban on the use of disposable barbecues on beaches following this summer’s spate of wildfires.
Newquay theatre production to honour late actress Penelope Keith

The Director of a new production at Newquay's Lane Theatre say she wants to perform the show in honour of the late actress Penelope Keith.
Cornwall needs a ‘fairer, honest’ housing waiting list

Cornwall Council members will be asked next week to support a fairer, clearer and honest housing waiting list to give applicants “the truth about their situation” within a system that is currently “opaque and difficult to navigate”.
New plans could pave way for demolition of derelict Narrowcliff buildings

Plans for a temporary use of the stalled Narrowcliff development in Newquay are set to be presented to senior planning officers, in a move which could allow the derelict buildings to be demolished.
Help find a cat a home

RSPCA Cornwall says it urgently needs to find homes for cats and kittens after being inundated with animals needing its help.
Free hedgehog talks offered to youth groups in Newquay area

Youth groups in and around Newquay are being offered free educational sessions about hedgehogs and wildlife conservation.
Earthwave organisers urge Newquay to get behind surfing world record attempt

Audio

Organisers of a surfing world record attempt in Newquay say they want as many people as possible to get involved when the event takes place later this month.
Newquay AFC continue strong start as national surfing titles decided at Watergate Bay

Newquay AFC and their reserves have both recorded victories, while St Newlyn East staged a cup comeback and some of England's leading surfers battled for national titles at Watergate Bay.
Double title for Reggie Roynon as national surfing champions crowned at Watergate Bay

National surfing champions have been crowned after a day of challenging conditions at Watergate Bay.
Search begins for Newquay's new town crier

The search is under way for a new town crier to become Newquay's official ceremonial ambassador.

Now Playing

Suspected tornado flips caravans on their side - widespread damage to homes in Quintrell Downs

Share

Share

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Now Playing