Worcester weather: 'Mini tornado' in Arboretum on sunny day

May 08, 2023

A MAN couldn't believe his eyes when he saw a 'mini tornado' knock over furniture and trampolines in city centre gardens.

Mark Masters called it 'total madness' as he first heard the strong winds from inside his home and then witnessed garden furniture being tossed around.

It was a warm and calm day on Saturday (June 3) with temperatures reaching highs of 21C - except for the bizarre moment the extremely strong gust of wind caused a moment of havoc.

Mr Masters, age 40, said he and his neighbours' gardens were struck by what appeared to be a "mini tornado" amid the sweltering heat.

He said the full-scale gust of wind affected homes in the Arboretum area of Worcester at about 2.45pm on Saturday (June 3) though it only lasted for five seconds.

Mr Masters said his washing line broke while garden furniture toppled over and a trampoline in a neighbouring garden nearly took off as the gust gathered strength.

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It is thought the odd weather phenomenon may be a funnel cloud which is similar to tornadoes but do not touch the surface.

According to The Met Office, in a typical year, the UK sees around 30 to 35 tornadoes.

However, it is very rare that are they strong enough to cause any significant damage.

READ MORE: TikTok video captures deer jumping over 6ft fence in back garden

"It was totally extraordinary," Mr Masters said.

"I heard something, I was in the kitchen fixing a DJ light and I thought it was an engine or a power tool.

"But I could hear it getting louder and louder.

"When outside I realised it was the wind.

The wind tipped over a gazebo in one of the gardens.

"The gazebo literally lifted up from the ground and fell down."

Mr Masters has recently moved to Arboretum and said he's never seen anything like it before.

"Some sort of mini tornado, over in an instant in what was otherwise a perfectly still, sunny day. I was in the house and heard it approaching.

"Total madness."

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