Forecasters ‘can’t rule out tornadoes’ as Storm Noa brings ‘hail and lightning’

Weather forecasters have issued an urgent thunderstorm warning with "heavy showers", "hail", "gusty winds" and "lightning" coming –and say they "can't rule out" tornadoes.

It is just the latest in a bizarre weather trend this April which saw snow fall in some mountainous regions last night and this morning (Wednesday, April 12).

Netweather forecaster Nick Innis now writes that a "cold upper vortex" has moved across the Atlantic from northern Canada this week and will land on British shores today.

READ MORE: Scientists warn where Brits will suffer the worst hay fever this spring

This comes after French weather chiefs named the weather system Storm Noa and issued a number of warnings there.

Innis said: "The showers will become more widespread further east on Wednesday, with sunny spells providing modest surface heating to support bands of heavy showers and increasingly some thunderstorms circulating around the low moving east across central Britain."

South Wales, south England, the Midlands and East Anglia are the "most likely" areas to see thunderstorms today, according to Innis.

The forecaster also warned wind gusts in south-west England, across the Bristol Channel and along the south coast could reach 70mph.

There is also a risk of tornadoes, hail and lightning.

Innis said: "Although strong surface winds may limit the potential, strong low-level shear is indicated by models, so one or two tornadoes can’t be ruled out too where surface winds back against strong south-westerly flow aloft.

"Cold and dry air aloft will also allow hail formation, which could fall intensely in places. Heavy showers with hail, gusty winds and isolated lightning likely elsewhere across British Isles too."

A Met Office weather warning for wind remains in place in the south-west until 8pm this evening and states: "Storm Noa to bring strong winds causing some disruption on Wednesday."

The weather agency has told people in the impacted area: "Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, together with possible closure of bridges.

"Some damage to buildings is possible, with some branches blown off trees, and perhaps a few fallen trees.

"Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

"Injuries could occur from large waves or flying debris."

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