National: Watch dramatic footage of Leitrim tornado as Storm Fergus strikes

Footage of the freak tornado that caused serious damage in Leitrim Village on Sunday afternoon has been shared on social media giving some idea of the havoc caused by the serious thunder and lightning that struck the picturesque Shannonside village.

With Storm Fergus descending on the country this afternoon, there was serious thunder and lightning witnessed at about 12.30pm in the Carrick-on-Shannon area. Reports then came in of a tornado ripping through Leitrim Village at about 12.40pm, causing damage to properties, knocking trees and walls as well as damaging cars.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Barry Whyte posted the following video:

Incredible video of what looks like a tornado ripping through Leitrim Village

This video has been posted on Reddit pic.twitter.com/IhzyrcLyOR

— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) December 10, 2023

Another video of the event, uploaded by Carlow Weather from footage posted on snapshot, caught the incident from the bridge in Leitrim.

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. pic.twitter.com/iYShm8PW15

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) December 10, 2023

An eye witness said they heard a roaring noise and saw trees being flattened at the back of properties near the bridge. Leitrim Fire Service, the Gardai and the ESB are currently in Leitrim Village dealing with the scene.

Following the damage caused by a freak tornado at lunch time today, Gardai wish to inform members of the public that the road through Leitrim Village is currently closed off for safety reasons. Diversions are in place at Battlebridge, at the Fingerboard junction and also at Drumgorman Lake.

Emergency services are still at the scene in the village to deal with the aftermath of the tornado that caused substantial damage. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.