In an extraordinary meteorological event, two funnel clouds appeared simultaneously from the same storm cloud base over Vertientes, a municipality in Camagüey province. Amateur meteorologist Yosmelvi Páez Cornell labeled the incident as "unprecedented" after sharing a video of the occurrence.
The remarkable sighting took place on the afternoon of Monday, June 15, and was captured on video by Felipe Adrogue from the Luace community in Vertientes. Páez Cornell, who closely monitors weather activities in Camagüey, described the event succinctly as "unprecedented."
"Yesterday afternoon, two funnel clouds appeared simultaneously from the same cloud, as seen in the video taken by Felipe Adrogue from Luace, Vertientes. Fortunately, neither touched down," the meteorologist reported.
The visual impact of this spectacle was so significant that it was visible from Camagüey city itself, located 22 kilometers away in a straight line from Vertientes.
Additional Observations Captured
Nancy Cansio Rivera recorded another video from the 12th floor of a building near the interprovincial bus terminal in the provincial capital, clearly showing the funnel hanging from the cloud.
Páez Cornell released this second video at 10:55 a.m. on Tuesday, describing it as "never before seen in Camagüey." In the recording, onlookers can be heard expressing their astonishment: "Oh my God... that's a tornado, just a piece of land, look how it has a long tip pointing down."
Understanding the Phenomenon
In Cuba, the colloquial term "rabo de nube" refers to a funnel cloud descending from a cumulonimbus base that does not make contact with the ground. Renowned meteorologist José Rubiera, a leading weather figure in the country, has clarified on numerous occasions that such formations are termed "tornadoes" when they reach the ground.
The simultaneous emergence of two funnels from a single cloud base is an extremely rare occurrence. It is scientifically attributed to multiple rotation centers or updrafts within the same storm cell, intensified by wind shear at higher altitudes.
Recent months have witnessed several similar episodes in Camagüey. On May 29, a funnel cloud was observed over Florida, also without any reported damage. On April 26, two funnel clouds were seen over Ciego de Ávila and Las Tunas, though originating from different clouds and in separate provinces.
Previously, on May 28, 2025, a funnel cloud was reported in Vertientes with the potential of having touched down, and on March 31, 2025, another funnel cloud formation occurred in Florida, Camagüey, without causing material damage.
These phenomena are more prevalent during Cuba's rainy season, which spans from May to October and accounts for about 80% of the country's annual precipitation.
Meteorological Events in Camagüey: Answering Common Questions
What is a "rabo de nube" in Cuban meteorology?
In Cuba, a "rabo de nube" refers to a funnel cloud that descends from a cumulonimbus base but does not reach the ground. It is a common term used to describe this weather phenomenon.
How rare is it for two funnel clouds to form from the same storm cloud?
The occurrence of two funnel clouds forming simultaneously from the same storm cloud base is extremely rare. It is generally caused by multiple rotation centers or updrafts within the same storm cell, enhanced by wind shear at higher altitudes.