Dr John Tyrrell of University College Cork, who has been investigating tornadic events in Ireland since 1998, said 2006 has seen some particularly interesting tornados. "One of the more recent events happened on 23 September in Sligo, " he said. "It left a nine-kilometre track on the ground, which was the longest we've seen in the last few years. Most tornados would only leave marks about half that length."

This tornado, which occurred in the south of the county, didn't cause too much damage, with local houses and schools escaping its path.

However, locals witnessed a tornado in Wexford just one week later which caused damage to storehouses. "This one was a bit more spectacular, " said Tyrrell. "There was a very heavy black cloud present and the funnel was black and stark. It would have been quite a sight."

Other tornados occurred this year in Tipperary, Donegal, Cork, Leitrim and Cavan, as well as a couple in Northern Ireland. There was also a 'mini-tornado' in Clonee, Co Meath in January, which damaged homes, overturned cars and brought down trees.

The Cavan tornado, which hit Bailieboro in March, spouted two funnels and caused significant damage to local structures. It recorded the second-longest track marks, at seven kilometres.

The tornado in Leitrim occurred over Lough Allen.

Irish tornados can occur in any season and are extremely hard to predict.

However, going on the national average of about 11 tornados a year, Tyrrell believes it is likely Ireland will see a couple more before 2006 is out.

"If you look at the data of the last 10 years, it would not be unreasonable to expect two or even three more before the end of the year, " he said.

"Some years we have had as few as seven tornados in a year, while in others we have had 13. With just 10 years of records in existence, we have a lot more to learn."