Ill wind as 'dust devil' sweeps through city

TO everyone except meteorologists, it looked like a tornado was ripping through Manchester city centre as a 30-metre-high swirling column of dust made its way along Great Ancoats Street.

- By JOHN SCHEERHOUT

It briefly brought traffic to a standstill and appeared to completely envelop a tree beside the carriageway on Saturday. Actually, it wasn't a tornado. It was what is known as a 'dust devil,' which are quite rare, especially in city centres.

"I was going to the gym on Great Ancoats Street where there is some land the council has flattened. I think that laid the foundation for what happened, with all the dust and sand that's there," said Adam Riding, 30, a violinist.