A weather map has revealed the areas under threat from a tornado warning as Britain prepares for a battering of hail and lightning. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TSRO) map shows that South West England, parts of South East England, the south Midlands, East Anglia, and the Channel Islands are all at risk of severe weather conditions.
The organisation warned of potential hazards including 50mph gusty winds, isolated tornadoes, lightning, and hail. “Gusty winds, hail (perhaps up to 1cm diameter), and occasional CG lightning may accompany the stronger cores,” the TSRO stated.
“Additionally, isolated tornadoes are possible, especially if any mesolows [a small area where high winds could be present] form. Any such mesolows would produce a more focussed risk corridor for gusty winds and occasional tornadoes.”
Storm clouds are moving from the Atlantic into the southwest and will spread across the country. The Met Office has predicted an “unsettled period” ahead, with ex-Hurricane Kirk expected to hit Europe from midweek, potentially bringing disruptive weather nationwide.
Monday and Tuesday will see a mix of sunshine and showers, with the heaviest and most frequent in the west, while the east will experience drier conditions. Unsettled conditions are likely to persist for the rest of the week, with the potential for disruptive rain and wind, reports the Mirror.
Chris Bulmer, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, warned: “Kirk over the North Atlantic will lose its status as a hurricane early next week before being swept towards northwest Europe. The resulting low pressure system will still have the potential to bring disruptive rain and winds to some areas, including parts of the UK, from the middle of next week.”
He added: “There remains much detail to work out on the exact track and timing of the system. Across the UK, parts of England and Wales look to have the greatest risk of heavy rain and strong winds during Wednesday and Thursday.”
He also cautioned: “However, a more southward track of this system, which is equally plausible at this stage, would see the most disruptive conditions impact France. The need for warnings will be kept under review over the coming days, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”
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