Man at centre of viral tornado picture gives first Irish interview

Theunis Wessels is a man who must be getting used to being at the centre of a storm, writes Breda Graham.

Man at centre of viral tornado picture gives first Irish interview

Theunis Wessels is a man who must be getting used to being at the centre of a storm, writes Breda Graham.

A picture of him casually mowing the lawn in his garden in Alberta, Canada as a tornado passes behind him has gone viral and has put him at the centre of a media storm.  

The image was captured by his wife Cecilia who snapped away as Mr Wessesl assured his daughter he was keeping an eye on the tornado.

Originally from South Africa, Theunis has now been dubbed ‘Tornado Man’ by the world’s media, after the photo was shared globally.

In his first Irish interview, ‘Tornado Man’ spoke told Ray D’Arcy about his overnight rise to fame.

He explained how his wife Cecelia just put the picture up on Facebook to show their friends and it ended up going viral.

He explained how the weather changed so fast from clear blue skies to thunder clouds that he did not have time to take off his sunglasses.

“All the credit to my wife, she took a phenomenal picture,” he said.

Since the picture was posted to social media, he has been contacted by media across the five continents. 

more courts articles

Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van

More in this section

Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future
(C)2024 Disney. Disneyland Paris – Disneyland Hotel Re-Opening Watch: Iconic Disneyland Paris hotel re-opens after two year renovation
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited