IN 2021, a 'mini-tornado' touched down in Weston, blowing over a tree and sending a plastic greenhouse flying.

The strong gust of wind struck Southville Road, lasting approximately 30 seconds according to onlookers.

Weston town councillor, Roger Bailey, witnessed the whirlwind and told the Mercury what happened.

Speaking at the time, Cllr Bailey said: "The air became thick and grey and every second that past the intensity of the wind grew and grew until it became so violent that we really became afraid. We were at a loss to know what was happening.

Weston Mercury: The weather incident lasted around 30 seconds.The weather incident lasted around 30 seconds. (Image: Roger Bailey)

"Proof of the storm’s power was that a plastic greenhouse was blown onto the roof of a two-story property hanging from an aerial, and that was in the next street."

These short-lived whirlwinds are caused when hot air rises quickly while there is cooler air above it.

As a result, the hot air stretches and enters a spinning motion - the kind you see in a tornado.