A twister has lifted roofs and uprooted a large tree in Central Otago, police say.
The twister formed near the Cromwell Golf Course and moved through nearby streets about 3pm on Friday, Senior Sergeant Simon Paget of Cromwell Police said.
It lifted roofing iron and tiles off two houses, blew over a washing line and uprooted a large tree, he said.
No one was injured but a woman took refuge with her two young daughters in the bathroom until it passed, Sen Sgt Paget said.
The twister lasted a few minutes.
Police and firefighters helped residents to weather proof their properties.
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