Citizens in the Chinese province of Liaoning were reportedly told to seek shelter after the city witnessed a bizarre phenomenon, as worm-like creatures or objects rained from the skies. In a viral video clip, what looked like earthworms were seen scattered all over cars and on the streets of Liaoning. People walking on the streets were seen carrying umbrellas to protest themselves from the “worm rain”.

According to the scientific journal Mother Nature Network, the most likely explanation of the incident is that they were swept up by heavy winds and then dropped throughout the city. This, the journal stated, happens when insects are caught up in a whirlpool, during a storm.