Tornado Warning Issued for Southern England

A tornado warning has been issued for Swindon, Wiltshire, and much of southern, southeastern, and eastern England. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has forecasted the possibility of “isolated brief tornadoes” as part of an extreme weather event expected throughout the day on Thursday (26 September). The warning is active from 8:26 am to 7 pm (local time), as unstable weather conditions create a risk for tornadoes, hail, gusty winds, and lightning.

TORRO explains that a shortwave trough will move northeast during the day, bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms to the affected regions. These storms are expected to develop further due to daytime heating, increasing the chance of low-level rotation, which could lead to brief tornadoes. The organization highlights southern counties as the most likely area for tornado development, though widespread showers make the risk more extensive.

In addition to tornadoes, the forecast warns of other hazards, including hail and gusty winds reaching up to 50 mph. Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is another potential risk, which could affect some areas as storms develop. These conditions are expected to create dangerous weather patterns throughout the affected regions, particularly as storm activity builds during the day.

This tornado warning coincides with an ongoing weather alert for Swindon and Wiltshire, where heavy rain is predicted to continue soaking the already waterlogged areas. The combination of severe storms and wet conditions may increase the risk of flooding and disruption across the region, adding to the challenges posed by the extreme weather. Authorities advise residents to stay cautious and monitor weather updates closely.

References

• Tornado Warning Issued for Swindon and Wiltshire as Storms Approach