'Mini-tornado' spotted over Northumberland coast

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 27th Jul 2024
Last updated 27th Jul 2024

Weather watchers are reacting to a mini-tornado over the Northumberland coast.

The funnel cloud was spotted in the skies above Berwick earlier today (Saturday).

Paul Jack captured the spectacle on camera from Spittal promenade - although it could be seen as far south as Seahouses.

The unusual phenomenon is normally associated with stormy weather, and arrived in the middle of a day of sunshine and showers.

If the cone-shaped cloud touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

They form when a rotating column of wind draws in cloud droplets, making a region of intense low pressure visible.

Locals expressed their wonder at today’s mini-twister - with one describing it as "beautiful", as images of the event were shared online.

"Great picture!" one poster exclaimed.

Another added: "We saw it when driving over Alnwick Moor when looking east towards the coast."

A third said: "Lovely weather…. a tornado 🌪️ in the Borders?"

A fourth replied: "Childhood nightmares activated 🙈"

A fifth joked: "Don’t forget to mark yourselves as safe folks! 😏"

READ MORE: Dopey driver sparks multiple 999 calls after falling asleep on Holy Island causeway

The funnel cloud isn't the only unusual sighting spotted on the Northumberland coast this weekend.

Yesterday, the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth was spotted travelling south after undergoing repairs at Rosyth.

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