A twister struck Cromwell at 3pm this afternoon, lifting roofs off houses in the Central Otago town.
The small tornado originated in the town's golf course before moving across Nepusultra Street to hit houses on Horace and Ortive Streets, before dissipating.
A house in Ortive Street and one in Horace St had roofing iron and tiles lifted off during the event.
There have been no reported deaths or injuries and the property damage was localised, according to police reports.
A local woman hid with her two young daughters in the bathroom until the twister passed.
Cromwell Police and the Fire Service have assisted residents at the two addresses to weather proof their properties and prevent further damage.
