ALBAWABA Saudi citizens were left astonished as a dramatic scene unfolded in Medina, captured on video and rapidly circulated on social media platforms. The footage depicted what many claimed to be a "Dust Devil," a rare meteorological phenomenon, wreaking havoc on the streets of city.
The video, shared widely among locals, showcased a whirlwind forming and swiftly lifting a large garbage container from the roadside.
With remarkable force, the whirlwind hurled the container into the air before it came crashing down onto a parked vehicle, leaving bystanders in disbelief.
"Dust Devils," also known as dust whirls, are a weather phenomenon characterized by intense surface heating, typically occurring in arid or desert regions.
These whirlwinds are smaller and less dense than tornadoes but can still cause significant damage due to their powerful swirling winds.
Similar to mini tornadoes, Dust Devils rely on a swirling column of air to maintain their structure. Their unpredictable nature makes them a spectacle to witness but also a potential hazard, as demonstrated in the recent incident in Medina.
The video footage, captured from an elevated vantage point, showcased several cars driving along the street, oblivious to the imminent danger lurking behind them.
Suddenly, the whirlwind emerged, lifting the container and sending it hurtling through the air, ultimately colliding with a parked white car near an electricity pole.
The chaotic scene unfolded amidst atmospheric turbulence and strong winds, highlighting the unpredictability of weather patterns in the region.
Concerns regarding public safety were raised following the incident, prompting authorities to issue warnings and advisories.
The National Center of Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(@NCMKSA) issued a cautionary statement on Wednesday, alerting residents of Medina to expect light rain accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, and thunderstorms.
The center emphasized the potential hazards posed by the adverse weather conditions, including high-speed winds and hailstorms.
