Images circulating on social media show a meteorological phenomenon resembling a tornado near Nusbaum (DE).
Given the rapid circulation of these images, RTL reached out to Meteolux to see whether they could confirm their veracity; and whether it was indeed a tornado.
It is difficult to confirm whether it was indeed a tornado using only still images, Meteolux explained, and would be easier if they had access to video material. Still, many elements on display in the much-circulated photo do point towards it being a tornado. Thursday's weather forecast had also put a low, but real, likelihood on the production of a tornado.
Doppler radar images also hint at weak rotations in places, specifically west of Nusbaum, at around 3.45pm on Thursday.
Regional Dopplar radio images. / © IRM/Meteolux
Local media in Germany, such as Volksfreund and lokalo.de, have provided similar reports. The roofs of a dozen or some homes were blown away, with firefighters in the region being called out to render assistance. While a weather alert was in place, this was lifted at 6pm.
