Huddersfield, West Yorkshire – July 22, 2025 A striking weather phenomenon, believed to be a possible tornado, was captured on video swirling through the skies above Marsden, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on Monday evening, July 21, 2025. The event, which sparked widespread discussion on social media, has drawn attention from meteorologists and residents alike, with footage showing a narrow, twisting funnel of clouds stretching toward the ground.
According to the Met Office, the phenomenon could be either a tornado or a funnel cloud, with the distinction hinging on whether the rotating column of air made contact with the ground. “It certainly looks like it could be a tornado, but without seeing it touch the ground, it isn’t possible to confirm it isn’t a funnel cloud,” a Met Office spokesperson stated. “The convective conditions were right for the formation of small-scale tornadoes.” Funnel clouds, often referred to as “tuba,” are spinning vortices of cloud that extend downward but do not reach the ground. They become classified as tornadoes only upon ground contact.
The dramatic footage, shared widely across platforms like X, was filmed in Marsden and showed the phenomenon forming amid a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms issued by the Met Office. The warning, covering the entirety of Yorkshire from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, highlighted risks of heavy showers, lightning, and potential flooding, with rainfall amounts expected to vary between 20-30 mm in some areas, and up to 40-50 mm in isolated spots.
Paul Hudson, BBC Yorkshire’s climate and environment correspondent, analyzed the footage and suggested it was “more likely than not” a tornado, though he noted that additional perspectives could clarify the classification. “Either way, it was a rare and very impressive spectacle in the Marsden area,” he remarked.Additional sightings of funnel clouds were reported across Yorkshire on the same day, including above Scammonden Reservoir and Sleights near Whitby. The Met Office noted that the UK experiences approximately 30-35 tornadoes annually, making it one of the highest per land area globally, though these are typically small, short-lived, and rarely cause significant damage.In Halifax, resident Sophie Lou captured footage of the event over Norland Moor, where a child’s voice can be heard exclaiming, “Wow. There’s a mini twister, a twister and a thunderstorm!” Social media posts reflected local excitement and curiosity, with users debating whether the phenomenon was a tornado or a funnel cloud.
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has not yet confirmed the event as a tornado, as a detailed site investigation would be required to verify ground contact and any associated damage. The Met Office emphasized that while UK tornadoes are relatively common, they are typically weak and short-lived, though they can cause structural damage if they pass over built-up areas.No injuries or significant damage were reported in connection with the Marsden event. However, residents were advised to secure outdoor objects, prepare for potential power cuts, and take precautions during thunderstorms, such as seeking shelter in enclosed spaces and avoiding trees or structures vulnerable to lightning.
This rare spectacle has reignited discussions about the UK’s surprising tornado frequency, with experts noting that while less destructive than their counterparts in the US, these weather events remain a fascinating feature of British weather. For the latest updates, residents are encouraged to follow Met Office warnings and local news outlets.
