RESIDENTS in a Hampshire town were left facing a clean-up job yesterday — after a tornado swept in.
Two blocks of flats were among homes damaged by winds that also felled several trees in Aldershot.
3
3
No one was hurt by the 1.2mile twister which hit at 12.25pm on Friday, ripping off roofs, flattening fences and toppling a chimney.
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Firefighters were part of a joint response at an incident in Aldershot yesterday after a number of properties and trees were damaged in strong winds.
“Crews from Rushmoor and Surrey FRS were first called shortly after midday and worked closely with partner agencies to make the scene safe.”
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation tracking group rated it T1 to T2, meaning it was considered light to mild.
It blew in just hours before heavy rain hammered parts of the UK yesterday — with more threatened, experts warn.
A yellow alert for thunderstorms was in force across much of the South and Wales.
Cornwall, the county worst hit, saw more than an inch of rain.
Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: “It’s had most thunderstorms and there’s also been some large hail reported.”
Another warning for rain, possibly causing floods, was due today for Wales and central south-west England.
A further alert is likely tomorrow, covering areas further east and north.
3