UK weather forecast: ‘Isolated tornadoes’ set to strike as Met Office issues wind warning
Britons have been left bracing for “isolated tornadoes” as the Met Office issues a yellow wind warning in South East England.
Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour could soon strike the English coastline, with the UK’s national weather service suggesting there is a “small chance of disruption” tomorrow.
The Met Office said: “A band of heavy, squally rain in expected to move eastwards across England on Thursday with gusts of around 50 mph in a few places very briefly, as well as some hail and thunder.
“However, there is a small chance of a broader swathe of very strong winds affecting southern and eastern England with gusts of 60 to 70 mph, mostly likely close to English Channel and southern North Sea coasts.”
The East of England, London & South East England and South West England were all identified as impacted areas.
The yellow warning has been issued from 8am tomorrow until 6pm the same day.
There are concerns the situation could result in longer journey times, damage to buildings, power cuts, danger to life, and road closures.
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation has meanwhile warned about “isolated brief tornadoes” across southern England and South Wales.
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It added: “Sets of showery rain may bring squally gusts, and the small chance of one or two brief tornadoes – the highest chance of gusts and isolated tornadoes appears to be over parts of Central Southern England, the SE Midlands, E Anglia, and SE England later on Thursday morning and into Thursday afternoon.”
Concerns about tornadoes coincide with a yellow rain warning from 5am until 5pm on Thursday.
The Met Office said: “A band of rain will move east across England during Thursday, likely clearing eastern England by early evening.
“Rain will be heavy at times and perhaps become more prolonged to give 3-6 hours of rain.
“Most places within the warning area will see 10-15 mm of rainfall, but a few places could see 30-40 mm with this falling onto already saturated ground.
“Lightning and gusty winds are likely to be additional hazards, with a small chance of gusts around 50 mph in a few places.”
There remains a chance of flooding and disruption due to heavy showers.
England’s Environment Agency has already issued 43 flood warnings and 194 flood alerts.
Natural Resources Wales put out a further two flood warnings and 34 flood alerts.