A tornado warning has been issued affecting the UK as the nation braces for 10 hours of severe weather, including heavy downpours, flash floods and thunderstorms.
Brits have been warned to prepare for 50mph winds and horror lightning by tornado forecasting agency Torro.
A large part of southeast England and East Anglia is covered by the 10-hour severe weather warning issued by the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation. They warned of the risk of “brief” tornado storms developing, and said: “Showers and isolated thunderstorms are already present around parts of SW and S England, and these will tend to move NE through this morning, with other showers and a few thunderstorms developing inland via diurnal heating.
“Deep layer shear is favourable for small clusters or lines of storms to form, and whilst low-level shear is reasonably modest, some backing of the flow ahead of the trough could assist in the development of low-level rotation, and perhaps a brief tornado or two. The most likely area of this to occur is across southern counties in the depicted area, but as models are keen to develop rather widespread showers through the day, the risk is drawn in a broader sense. Gusty winds and lightning will affect some places, along with hail.”
The new warning comes after a tornado struck a sleepy town in the British countryside earlier this week. Tewkesbury’s tornado hit at around 4.24pm on Saturday, around four hours after the town of Aldershot, Hampshire, faced a similar tornado which damaged homes and uprooted trees. Rich, 38, a builder and dad to six-year-old Grace, said his daughter was “flabbergasted” by the freak weather event. He said: “It was a spectacle in real time. It lasted around 20 seconds. The winds got up very dramatically, felt like a scene from twister. Right place, Right time!”
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation confirmed a tornado in Aldershot at around 12.25pm on Friday, which was tracekd moving 1.2miles through the town. Nobody was hurt in the storm, although one resident’s chimney was damaged, and a tree was ripped out of a neighbour’s garden. A passenger also recently captured footage a tornado on a motorway near Luton, as a viral clip showed drivers battling hazardous conditions with the twister visible behind them.
Tornado Warning Issued for Essex
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has issued a tornado warning for Essex from 8am to 7pm today, covering central south Essex, south east Essex, east Anglia and the south east Midlands. The warning states that isolated tornadoes, hail, winds of up to 50mph and cloud-to-ground lightning are possible.
Staying Safe During a Tornado Warning
With the possibility of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms across the UK, it is crucial to be prepared. Here are some safety tips:
- Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and warnings from reliable sources such as the Met Office and TORRO.
- Seek shelter: If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. Go to a basement or a sturdy interior room on the lowest floor of your home. If in a car, drive to a sturdy building or ditch your car and lie down in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head with your hands.
- Avoid windows: Stay away from windows as they can shatter during strong winds.
- Have an emergency plan: Discuss a plan with your family or roommates on where to meet and what to do in case of a tornado warning.
- Keep a safety kit: Have an emergency kit that includes a battery-powered radio, flashlight, water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, and a whistle to signal for help.
Conclusion: Prepare for the Unexpected
While severe weather events like tornadoes are relatively rare in the UK, it’s essential to be prepared, especially in areas where a warning has been issued. Stay vigilant, follow official guidance, and ensure you have an emergency plan in place. By being proactive and informed, we can mitigate the risks and ensure safety during these weather events.
