Carlow is of course known as the tornado alley of Ireland, so it makes sense that the rare phenomenon would be spotted there
This footage, recorded by passing motorist Martin Cavanagh just outside Ballyveal in Co. Carlow yesterday, has captured a very rare meteorological event, known as a dust devil.
We’re familiar with a Dirt Devil, which we use to hoover up all the loose change in our couch, but a dust devil is a new one on us too, and looks pretty similar to a tornado.
As it turns out, they’re pretty different, and Met Eireann’s John Eagleton explained the difference when speaking to The Irish Times, stating that the Dust Devils come up from the ground while tornadoes descend from above.
They are less powerful and are pretty rare, explained Eagleton, who said that we do however get them sometimes.
Hat-tip to the Irish Times for the video
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