Beachgoers flee mini tornado known as ‘Dust Devil’ at Rapid Bay, south of Adelaide

Beachgoers at a popular spot in Adelaide’s south were caught up in a chaotic whirlwind on Saturday — now the BoM has explained what happened.

Unsuspecting beachgoers have been caught in a chaotic wind tunnel at a popular summer swim spot. Nine News.

The Bureau of Meteorology has explained how a mini tornado swirled its way onto a beach south of Adelaide, sending beachgoers and sunseekers into a scurrying.

Footage emerged of a wind tunnel causing chaos at Rapid Bay beach on Saturday afternoon.

A spokesman from the bureau told The Advertiser the unusual weather phenomenon captured in the video was a dust devil or willy-willy.

Beachgoers have run for cover after a whirly wind ripped through Rapid Bay. Surfboards, towels and camping equipment were sent flying into the air and along the shoreline. #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/uZ4lzGfWqs

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) January 25, 2025

“Dust devils occur when a whirlpool of air becomes visible by the dust particles and debris inside of it, and usually only last a few minutes,” the bureau explained.

“They form when a pocket of hot air rises quickly from the surface through the cooler air above it,” the spokesman said.

“The air rotates, speeding up as it rises, and sucks up dust and debris.”

Although the phenomenon may be thrilling to witness, the Bureau said dust devils can “cause harm and damage to property” and urged spectators to avoid going into or near them.

Beachgoers flee a willy-willy at Rapid Bay, south of Adelaide. Picture: 7NEWS

Beachgoers flee a willy-willy at Rapid Bay, south of Adelaide. Picture: 7NEWS

In the video, filmed by onlookers across the bay, a sandy wind funnel swept across the beach, picking up items including towels, papers and a surfboard.

People can be seen running in all directions as the wind column moves towards the water’s edge.

Those recording the footage, which was posted to Facebook by Nine News, can be heard exclaiming: “It’s got a shadow” and “That is a ripper”.

“There’s stuff in it,” one man says. “There’s people’s stuff in it.”

Originally published as Beachgoers flee mini tornado known as ‘Dust Devil’ at Rapid Bay, south of Adelaide