GEORGE TOWN: Various parts on the island were hit by a freak storm this afternoon with strong winds ripping off roofs and uprooting trees about 5pm
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said based on reports received from the state Civil Defense Force (CDF), there were several incidents of fallen trees along Jalan Zainal Abidin, the jeep route heading to Penang Hill and Jalan Tengku.
He said an uprooted tree at Jalan Tengku had fallen on a car, but no one was hurt.
A food court building near the Sungai Ara mini stadium, he said, was badly damaged when its roof was blown away by the strong winds.
"The CDF and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) are at the scene for the cleaning up works," he said.
One of the residents in Sungai Ara, who wished to remain anonymous, said everything happened so fast.
"It was a gale, ripping off the roof almost instantly when it hit. We did not have time to do anything.
"In less than five minutes, everything was blown away," the resident said.
Meanwhile, the MBPP, on its Facebook page, said a tree was also uprooted at the Midlands Gate.
"We advised the people to be careful while being outdoors and always keep an eye on family members," it said.
Any complaints about floods, landslides, fallen trees and others, can contact the MBPP hotline at 04-263 7000, 04-263 7637 or 016-2004082 (WhatsApp).
Earlier, the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had issued thunderstorm and heavy rain alerts to those in Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak, urging them to stay vigilant.