Strong winds and numerous lightning strikes have hit much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a possible tornado reported in Staffordshire.
The Met Office has not confirmed if the gusts in Newcastle-under-Lyme were a tornado but noted that conditions could have allowed one to form. Images online showed damaged fences and debris, and police responded to roof damage on St Giles Road early Monday.
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon stated that while tornadoes in the UK are usually brief and about 30 occur annually, this morning’s conditions had the potential for short-lived tornadoes. Damage assessments are still needed.
A potential tornado was reported in Staffordshire, and high winds closed bridges, parks, and tourist sites across the UK.Forecasters recorded at least 450 lightning strikes in England. Windy conditions forced the closure of bridges, parks, and National Trust sites across the UK.
The M48 Severn Bridge closed early Monday, with motorists advised to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge instead. The Humber Bridge in Yorkshire is also closed to high-sided and wind-vulnerable vehicles.
London parks, including Hampstead Heath and West Ham Park, and playgrounds in Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, and Hyde Park were shut. Kew Gardens also closed due to the weather. Popular sites like Dover Castle and Ainsdale Beach in Southport were similarly affected.
A yellow wind warning was issued by the Met Office covering Northern Ireland, Wales, and England up to Cumbria until 10 pm, with gusts reaching 45mph inland and up to 55mph in coastal areas, accompanied by heavy rain.
Monday’s temperatures were expected to be below average, ranging from 8C to 12C. Rain is predicted until Friday, but higher pressure might bring drier weather over the weekend. Windy conditions could cause delays in transport and potential short-term power outages.