Gusts of wind reaching up to 50mph are expected to hit parts of the UK
Tornado alerts have been issued for six UK regions with forecasters predicting hail and lightning strikes could hit this afternoon and into the evening. Gusts of wind reaching up to 50mph are expected to hit parts of the UK and hailstones around 1cm in diameter and heavy downpours are a possibility.
Satellite images shows storm clouds gathering over the Atlantic are set to head towards the southwest of England before sweeping across the nation. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has highlighted that isolated tornadoes could emerge as a result of these strengthening winds, particularly in central and southern England, reports The Express.
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Their latest forecast states: “A shortwave trough will move ENE this afternoon/evening, accompanied by areas of showery rain, some convective in nature. One or more small-scale circulations (mesolows) may evolve, although model guidance differs somewhat on the exact morphology.”
It continues: “Gusty winds, hail (perhaps up to 1cm diameter), and occasional CG lightning may accompany the stronger cores. Additionally, isolated tornadoes are possible, especially if any mesolows form.”
The areas covered by the tornado alerts are South West England, Central South England, South East England, South Midlands and parts of East Anglia and the Channel Islands. The Met Office has forecast a wet front sweeping eastward today, bringing strong winds and creating a gusty atmosphere.
Tornadoes are violent rotating columns of air connected to a storm cloud, typically observed as a condensation funnel. These powerful twisters form under certain conditions, primarily influenced by high speeds of circulating winds that pose significant hazards to people and property on the ground and in the air.
The Met Office’s long range forecast says: ”As we move into the new working week, Monday and Tuesday bring a mixture of sunshine and showers, the heaviest and most frequent in the west, with conditions drier in the east. Unsettled conditions likely to persist for the remainder of the week with the potential for disruptive rain and wind.”
From midweek, Hurricane Kirk, currently in the Atlantic, may bring disruptive rain and wind. Although it will have lost its status as a hurricane by the time it reaches northwest Europe. According to a new map issued by the Met Office, England, Wales, south east Scotland and east Northern Ireland are ‘at risk’ of disruption, with 20 to 40mm of rainfall expected in some areas.