Tornado warning issued for UK with 'lightning tornado' carrying 90mph winds forecast

Storm Isha could bring ‘strong tornadoes’ to the UK tonight or tomorrow, a tornado warning group has warned.

The UK is currently being battered by the latest Atlantic storm to sweep over our shores. Forecasters at the Met Office have issued an amber weather warning for much of the UK due to extreme wind and rain.

There are currently 16 flood alerts and warnings in Yorkshire alone, while Leeds Bradford Airport has seen diversions and delays.

Now, The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation has warned of ‘strong tornadoes’ hitting the UK in the next 24 hours.

The tornadoes could touch down in the north of England including Yorkshire, as well as in Scotland and the north east.

A strong tornado could hit the UK tonight

It said: “A powerful Atlantic storm, named Isha by the UK Met Office will affect the RoI and UK later on Sunday and overnight into Monday morning.

“A cold front will push NE and E across all areas through this period. Across the Tornado Watch area, a potent mid-level trough and speed max (500 hPa mid-level jet max of ~120 knots) will overspread the frontal zone, and induce a powerful low-level jet in advance of the front (850 hPa flow of ~90 knots).

“In and close to the watch area, there is the risk of a few tornadoes, and the potent shear means a strong tornado is possible, especially across the RoI and N Ireland. Additionally, the very strong low-level flow will be mixed to the surface in stronger cores, bringing the risk of gusts of 70-80mph, and perhaps 90-100mph in a few spots, even inland.”

The organisation also warned there could be lightning strikes accompanying the tornado.

It added: “Any supercell which can develop may produce hail, which could reach severe levels, and a few CG lightning strikes are possible too, especially across the RoI and N Ireland.”

The Met Office severe warning will remain in place from 6pm on Sunday, January 21 until 9am on Monday, January 22. It covers parts of North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire and is forecast to bring wind gusts of up to 90mph.

Follow our live Storm Isha blog for the latest on the extreme weather