A tornado flipped a caravan upside down over night on the South Island’s West Coast, leaving one person with minor injuries.

The incident happened just before 1AM at the Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation and Camping Ground 50 kilometres north of Westport, near the mouth of the Mokihinui River.

A Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said two appliances attended, one from Granity, the other from Westport.

By the time emergency services arrived at the scene, everyone was out of the caravan.

A Metservice spokeswoman there was a thunder storm warning issued for the area last night, setting the scene for tornado.

There have been no other reports of damage.