A huge tornado has hit Qatar, leaving lashings of rain and hail in its wake.
The weather phenomenon was spotted near Ras Laffan Industrial City, around 50 miles north of Doha.
In footage posted online, it could be seen beneath dark skies and by thick cloud.
People in Qatar were warned of ‘thundery’ conditions and urged to ‘be careful’ of the unpredictable weather.
The news means rain could be a very real possibility when England take on France in a quarter-final battle in the World Cup.
Today’s tornado was spotted near the Al Bayt Stadium which will host Saturday’s game.
Forecasters in Qatar say the region will be ‘affected by a rainy state of varying intensity at intermittent intervals’ from Wednesday until Saturday.
BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Simon King, writing on Twitter, added: ‘It was always a possibility in winter but for Eng v France on Saturday it could be a reality.
Still a little way off but showers, mostly in Saudi Arabia, could drift into Qatar. Much cooler as well with a max of only 22C.’
England and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker told reporters: ‘I never thought I’d say it but I can’t wait to see rain, it’s been that long – living in Manchester, you see rain every day.
‘It looked like it was going to rain when we were training so I’m not surprised there was a tornado near where the ground is.
‘But the French will have experienced rain as well – both teams will be playing in different weather conditions – I don’t think that’s going to affect the way the game goes, to be honest.’
Visitors and residents of Qatar have enjoyed temperatures in the mid to high 20s for much of the tournament, which was moved to the winter to avoid the punishing heat of summer in the Gulf state.
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