Rare wintry phenomenon: 'Snownado' spotted in Scotland

A rare 'snownado' was filmed on the Shetland Islands this week as wintry conditions returned to the UK and Ireland.

The footage above was filmed by a farmer on Tuesday as he fed his sheep in Sandness.

Also known as 'snow devils' these rare events occur when wind shear generates a vortex over snow, lifting the snow into a spinning column. Despite the name, these events cannot compare to actual tornadoes. Packing much weaker winds and posing little danger.

This spectacular display arrived amid freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall for much of the UK and Ireland this week.

The wintry weather will continue throughout Thursday particularly over Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Days of ongoing snowfall has resulted in dangerous conditions in some areas, a multi-vehicle crash closed the M5 overnight while tens of thousands of homes are without power in the east and southeast of England.

Wednesday night also saw the lowest temperature of the year in Altnaharra, Scotland with a frigid -16°C recorded in the Highlands hamlet.

It marks the second consecutive night seeing 2023's lowest temperature after -15.2°C was recorded in Kinbrace, Scotland on Tuesday.

Keep an eye on the conditions near you at all times with the WeatherRadar.