Fire services busy overnight

As many as 21 roofs have been taken off houses and 12 other properties have been damaged as a result of a tornado that ripped through Mount Maunganui last night.

Fire north communications shift manager Scott Osmond confirmed the number of call outs and said the 12 properties that suffered damages was due to wind and flying debris.

There were also two house fires in Papamoa overnight.

One house fire was at a Webb Place residence and the other was at Karewa Parade.