Didcot Power Station: Locals react to 'concerning' cloud

The large cloud which was seen in eastern areas of Swindon on Tuesday, December 3, formed from the ground up towards clouds in the sky and it's shape created confusion among over 100 residents on social media sites.

Several residents commenting on the unusual sight joked it was a "nuclear blast", "ancient aliens" or even "the ghost of Storm Bert".

One woman from Old Town stated: "Spotted this on the M4 and I can't help thinking it does look exactly like a hurricane. Hope it doesn't start heading towards us."

The unusually-shaped cloud caused confusion and alarm in Swindon (Image: Kevin Bizley) Elsewhere, residents in Oxford, Cirencester and Gloucester also reported sightings of the unusual cloud.

But meteorologists have confirmed the cloud is not a hurricane, nor any of the more fantastical explanations, and the source is believed to be at Didcot Power Station, almost 30 miles from Swindon.

Although the coal power station was demolished in 2020, the site is still active and a new gas powered station has been build there which uses a battery of more compact condensation units.

"They're much smaller than the old cooling towers, but I drive past them most days, and I promise they're there," said Swindon resident Nicola Cristofoli.

Didcot Power Station has been contacted for further comment.

This year marks eight years since four men were killed following the partial collapse of Didcot Power Station in February 2016.

Demolition workers Michael Collings, Ken Cresswell, Christopher Huxtable and John Shaw all lost their lives and it took more than six months for their bodies to be recovered.