Mini tornado hits Townsville, Queensland, Australia

A storm described as a mini-tornado has left a trail of destruction in Townsville, with up to 30 homes damaged and 8000 residents without power.

People have described taking shelter in bathrooms when the storm hit the north Queensland city early on Tuesday, tearing iron off roofs and downing powerlines in the suburbs of Vincent, Pimlico and Gulliver.

Premier Anna Bligh says residents endured a terrifying experience.

"It appears to be something akin to a mini-tornado," she told reporters in Cairns.

Ms Bligh will travel to Townsville to inspect the damage later in the day.

The Department of Community Safety says 25 to 30 homes lost part or all of their roof, and there were 38 calls for help. Source