At 12 noon on the 25th August 1948 a tornado hit the Frankton Junction and parts of Hamilton.

The tornado originated in Frankton, travelled through the business area of Frankton, went over the hill into Hamilton West where it passed between the Hamilton Lake and Victoria Street and then travelled across the Waikato River to Hamilton East. It caused minor damage at Hillcrest School before passing into open country to Tamahere. Debris from some buildings was carried as far as Bruntwood and Hautapu, near Cambridge.

Houses were destroyed and some were picked up off the foundations. Chimneys were snapped off, houses were unroofed, trees uprooted and motor cars and fences were destroyed..

The air was filled with flying corrugated iron, branches off trees, timber and other debris.

Power and telephone lines were left hanging.

Tornado spent much of its lifetime over farmland and was on the ground for only part of the time as it crossed the city. It only spent 10 minutes on the ground.

It was New Zealand's most damaging and lethal tornado.

It cut a path of destruction 100-200 yards (91-183 m) wide across both farmland and through the suburbs and business areas.

The tornado damaged or destroyed 163 buildings and 50 businesses.

Property damage was estimated to be as high as £1,000,000 ($65,434,000 2010 dollars).

There were three casualties.

Five injured people were admitted to hospital and about 20 others were treated in the casualty ward. Scores of people were given first aid treatment for cuts and bruises.

The main area affected was through Kent Street and part of Norton Road, Frankton. Also affected was Commerce Street, along the main business centre and neighbouring streets. Lake Road was seriously affected and every home on the Frankton station side of Keddell Street was totally destroyed.

The tornado completely lifted a house and placed it across the street.

The Maoriland Company's timbermill, yard and machinery shop were smashed and extensive damage was done to the plant.