A TORNADO warning has been issued for Dorset today. 

The warning was issued by the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) and affects parts of the South, South West and Midlands.

It warns of hazards as the region is battered by wind gusts between 50 to 70mph, occasional lightning that hits the ground, hail and isolated tornadoes.

It comes after a yellow weather warning for wind has been extended by the Met Office.

TORRO said: “Several bands of showery rain are expected to move NNE across the discussion area, and lightning is already present within this to the south of [South West] England.

“Strong deep-layer shear coupled with upper forcing will likely cause the precipitation to align into lines. Strong low-level shear will be present too.”

It added that whilst the tornado threat is “low”, given the strong winds, there is a “low-end chance” of one or two tornadoes developing.

The warning is currently in place and will last until 8pm on Thursday.