A heavy thunderstorm in Grahamstown has left 11 people injured and 65 homeless on Wednesday, Eastern Cape police said.

Inspector Milanda Coetzer said the storm hit the town at 10.50am.

"In Scotts Farm and Tantyi location 15 houses were damaged. Seven houses lost their roofs in Vukani location and three people were slightly injured.

"Trees fell on houses and one car was damaged after a tree fell on it," said Coetzer.

About eight people were injured in 20 Aiken Street and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

She said the Kingswood College sports field was also damaged, while 33 shacks were damaged in Hlalani location.

"Five shacks were completely destroyed in Hlalani location. The 65 homeless people will receive emergency housing."

The SA Weather Service (Saws) said it had sent out a warning prior to the storm saying that it may be accompanied with a tornado.

Forecaster Rulene Teens said Saws had received calls from many residents in the area, who claimed to see a tornado and said they had pictures of it.

"This system is called a cut off low...it is not surprising that a tornado would occur with conditions these systems present," Teens said.

She said that the area would experience heavy thunder storms, hail and wind over the next few days.

"The possible tornado is still being investigated," she said.

Coetzer said at the moment some people were being housed in community halls.

An emergency disaster meeting was held at the Makana municipal council chambers in a bid to make arrangement for people affected by the storm.

The Cacadu municipality arranged blankets and the SA Defence Force as well as Settlers hospital provided mattresses in the community halls, said Coetzer.

Sapa