Batam - A natural phenomenon of whirlwinds has recently hit Batam, such as the recent incident in Bengkong and Buluh Island which resulted in several houses being damaged

Head of BMKG's Data and Information Section, Hang Nadim, Suratman, explained that this whirlwind incident could be caused by an uncertain weather exchange.

"For example, it rains today, the next is hot or the day is hot and the next is rain. That can cause a tornado, "said Suratman to Batamnews, Tuesday (25/8/2020).

This tornado also often occurs during the transition season, such as the change of seasons from rainy season to summer.

"But in Batam, it is rather difficult to predict it because the season is not clear," said Suratman.

These tornadoes only come from Cumulonimbus clouds (not from wind movements or wind movements in general), but not all Cumulonimbus clouds cause tornadoes.

"It occurs more often in the afternoon or evening, and sometimes it is late at night and moves in a straight line," said Suratman.

Can not be predicted specifically, can only be predicted 0.5 - 1 hour before the incident if you see or feel the signs with an accuracy level of <50%.

"The area (route) ranges from 5 - 10 km and the time is short, about less than 10 minutes," said Suratman.

This tornado is unlikely to reoccur in the same place.

For this reason, Suratman appealed to the public to notice the existence of the tornado to immediately avoid and seek shelter.