PHUKET: A sudden gale that Phuket's microclimate produces in the monsoon season toppled a banyan tree in Phuket City about 10pm last night, damaging two houses and a parked pickup. Resident Preecha Lakkeaw, who lives on the road behind Phuket Provincial Court, said that while the sound of the crash terrified locals, it was fortunate that nobody had been injured. More storms are forecast.