BASSE-TERRE, Guadeloupe (CMC) – French authorities on Monday continued their evaluation of the damage caused by what the media there described as a “mini-tornado” that touched down on the French island on Sunday afternoon.

The weather phenomenon took place in Baie-Mahault, causing widespread panic among residents. There have been no reports of deaths on the island as a result of the weather situation.

The authorities have confirmed that major damage has occurred in residential areas in a town called Belcourt, and that fire and rescue services have been deployed to the area.

Videos and photos circulating on social media show scenes similar to the passage of a hurricane.

Guadeloupe has now been placed under Orange Alert for “strong rains and thunderstorms.”

The French newspaper, Guadeloupe la 1ère, reported that the island was being affected by a wet and unstable air mass.

“Heavy and sometimes stormy showers can still be triggered quickly today and can generate significant rainfall totals reaching, or even exceeding, 80mm of rain in three hours. Temporary flooding is therefore to be feared,” the newspaper said.

The French authorities have warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to return, given the weather pattern over the past few days.

Météo France has warned that conditions would likely turn humid and very unstable again, raising concerns about renewed heavy showers.

In a report detailing the rainfall accumulation from the previous day, estimates indicated that the Jarry sector experienced significant downpours, with 50 to 60 mm of rain recorded over three hours and 80 mm over six hours.

According to Météo France’s bulletin, rainfall accumulations were projected to reach 20 to 30 mm, with localised areas possibly seeing up to 50 mm.

The situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather in the Caribbean, where conditions can shift rapidly, leading to both beautiful sunny days and intense storms, the French authorities warn.