A mini tornado has been captured on video near Land's End Airport, close to where a wildfire broke out last month.
The phenomenon, which looks more likely to be a dust devil than an actual tornado, was seen moving over Chapel Carn Brea at around 2.20pm on Saturday (August 22). In the footage sent to CornwallLive, the swirling wind could be seen crossing a road from one field to another.
Rachel Williams, who recorded the video, said: "It’s so amazing. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. I couldn’t get my phone out in time to capture the whole thing. It came out of nowhere. It moved so fast, throwing soil and rocks into the air. I'm so lucky I got to experience this. I’d just been on Chapel Carn Brea walking my dog. We came across an adder, which I was excited about as I’ve not seen one for a few years. Then this happened, which made the adder sighting seem insignificant. Nature has certainly been amazing today. Apparently there were water spouts on the Scillies today too – perhaps they are linked? I have no idea but I think the whole thing is fascinating, and weird that the 'tornado' was on the exact spot of the fire."
CornwallLive reported that a wildfirestarted in Nanquidno in West Cornwall, near Land's End Airport back in July. A few days later, the fire reportedly reignited because of strong winds.
Tornadoes do happen in the UK, with around 30 to 50 of them occurring each year, according to data from the Met Office, though they are usually weaker and shorter-lived than those in the US.
A dust devil is described as a "strong, well-formed, and short-lived whirlwind that grows upward from the ground on clear, sunny days, and becomes visible when hot, rising air sweeps up loose dust, sand or debris from the surface."
Mini Tornado Caught on Video Near Land’s End Airport