Hamilton was back to normal today after a tornado struck the city and central parishes yesterday.

The tornado tore through parts of Reid Street, damaged Magistrates’ Court, left large branches and foliage strewn about the streets of Hamilton and damaged the traffic lights at Spurling Hill.

Ed Benevides, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary to the Corporation of Hamilton said: “The damage that was done was cleared up by The Corporation of Hamilton work crews and the city returned to normal within a few hours after the tornado touched down.

“The lights at Spurling Hill were affected and as soon as it stopped raining we were able to repair them.”

Mr. Benevides added: “Unrelated to the tornado, the traffic lights on the corner of Parliament and Church Streets have not been fully operational for over a week. We are waiting for parts and hope to have them working shortly after Christmas."

Police said the tornado hit the city at about 3.40pm. No-one was injured.

A spokesman said: “There were also reports of roof damage to Magistrates’ Court, residences in the central parishes, as well as damage reported to the Bank of Bermuda Church Street branch.”

He said that Police, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, Works and Engineering and the Corporation of Hamilton all attended the scene at Magistrates’ Court.

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* See the full story and pictures of the damage in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.