Four houses report damage after Auckland tornado

At least four houses suffered roof damage when a mini-tornado ripped through a street in the Auckland suburb of Glendowie tonight.

Northern fire communications shift manager Jaron Phillips said residents of Esperance Rd rang emergency services about 6.30pm and reported a "mini-tornado" had ripped through the street.

He said four houses had lost roof tiles and firefighters were putting up large salvage sheets to ensure they remained waterproof.

Three fire crews remained at the scene hours after the event and insurance assessors were also expected, Mr Phillips said.

He said the residents were still in their houses but it was unclear whether they would stay tonight.

No other streets reported damage or sightings of the tornado and no one was injured.

The tornado follows a similar event this morning in the Taranaki settlement of Inglewood where two barns were destroyed by a twister.

- NZPA