A tornado was caught on video dangerously close to a residential area in Barangay Cabaroan, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

A resident, William Pablico, said the tornado was still small when he caught a glimpse of it the first time. The next time he saw it, it had hit a tractor. 

“Maliit pa lang noon[g una ko pang nakita], pero paglingon ko uli, malaki na [yung buhawi]… Binunggo niya [ng buhawi] ‘yung tractor,” Pablico said.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), such phenomena are often associated with hot weather conditions. 

Tornadoes are frequently observed from March to May, during the country’s high-temperature months.

“Nabubuo ito pagmaalinsangan o mataas yung temperatura. Nao-organize ito kapag nasa open space o maluwag na area na makapagbuwelo, makapagbuo ng vortex na tinatawag natin,” Engr. Jose Estrada, Jr., a Meteorologist in PAGASA Dagupan Station, said. 

It is also often triggered by thunderstorms.

“Dulot pa rin ito ng tinatawag nating thunderstorm… ‘Yung mga impending clouds, ‘yung mga mammatus clouds, na makikita na kumpol kumpol o dikit-dikit, ‘yan ‘yung isang sign ng pagbuo ng tinatawag nating buhawi o tornado,” Estrada added.

According to PAGASA, tornadoes are capable of reaching speeds of up to 450 kilometers per hour.

In the event of a tornado, people are advised to:

- Move away immediately and seek shelter in sturdy structures.
- Hide in the basement or under the stairs.
- Avoid windows and objects that can be blown away.
- Use blankets or thick coverings against the wind.