Instead of lightning I got a tornado

AT 7.40pm on Monday, June 30, I observed a small tornado moving rapidly from south to north during a severe rain and hail storm over Huntsfield, Dooradoyle, Limerick.

Since 7pm the atmosphere had become dark, humid and oppressive and the prospect of a rare lightning spectacle excited me.

I was in my back-garden but had to move inside due to the intensity of the rain and hail. I then watched from my kitchen window, which faces south.