AN Irish village was battered by a freak weather event today as a “tornado” swept across the village.
Leitrim Village was hit by the shocking rotation during lunchtime today as Storm Fergus made landfall.
A terrifying video shared on social media shows debris flying through the air as the area was engulfed in strong winds.
Trees near the canal can be seen being whipped back and forth in the gusts.
It has been reported that the freak event caused “serious damage” to properties and cars in the area.
A video of the village in the aftermath shows wood from trees and outdoor furniture that smashed onto a car windscreen.
Another cars rear window was smashed and covered in thick layers of mud that looks like it was whipped up by the “tornado”.
Disbelieving locals lined the streets, which were covered in debris and dirt, in disbelief at the sight.
A roof was blown off one building in the town and shocking pictures show trees and lamp posts knocked over by the freak atmospheric phenomenon.
A car alarm can be heard ringing out in multiple videos taken in the aftermath of the chaos.
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Gardai, the Fire Brigade and the ambulance service attended the scene, which was completely closed off by cops shortly after the weather calmed down.
Gardai warned: “Garda and Emergency Services are attending an incident in Leitrim Village. The Village is closed.
“Please avoid the area and be patient while emergencies services deal with the incident.”
There have been no reports of any injuries.
The ESB also attended the scene in Leitrim Village after the power went down in the area. Approximately 1466 customers were affected.
Taking to social media, Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather shared a video taken during the shocking scene and said it “supports the reports of a tornado”.
He said: “This video shared on Snapchat shows rotation which supports the reports of a Tornado in Leitrim Village today.
“Hoping everyone is OK after this shocking event.”
Strong thunder and lightning was also captured near the canal in Leitrim Village.
One video captured strong gusts and more debris flying through the air as bright white flashes of lightning hit alongside loud thunder.
SERIES OF WEATHER WARNINGS
Met Eireann issued weather alerts for 22 counties across Ireland today, warning that Storm Fergus would bring “strong and gusty” winds.
Met Eireann have issued a Status Orange wind warning for Clare, Galway and Mayo, which is valid from 3pm today until 8pm this evening.
The weather bosses warned that there could be “localised coastal flooding” and “wave overtopping”.
They added: “Very strong onshore winds due to Storm Fergus, coupled with high waves and high tides.”
A Status Yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
It will remain in place until 6pm this evening.
Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway and Mayo have been placed under a Status Yellow wind warning from 1pm until 9pm today.
‘TAKE CARE’ IN CONDITIONS
And Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo face a similar Status Yellow wind alert.
It will come into place at 6pm this evening and remain until midnight.
Met Eireann warned: “Storm Fergus will generate very strong and gusty southwesterly winds, veering westerly.”
They outlined wave overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, debris and loose objects being displaced as possible impacts of the storm across the 19 counties under the warning.
Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly urged people to “take care” in the potentially dangerous conditions.
He said: “Very heavy rain in East and North this morning clearing Northeast as Storm Fergus approaches from the West.
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“You can see him clearly on the satellite images.
“He will bring strong winds and heavy or even thundery showers this afternoon. Take care on roads with spot flooding.”
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Ríona Maguire
