A TORNADO warning has now been issued for Dorset. 

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TSRO) has predicted a tornado could be coming to Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the rest of the county later today. 

Despite the sunny skies over Bournemouth on Friday afternoon, September 20, the weather forecaster has said there is a chance of winds up to 40 or 50mph. 

A spokesman for TSRO said: “Showers and thunderstorms already across Kent/E Sussex will continue to move in a general westerly direction this morning. 

“Relatively low freezing levels may allow some marginally severe hail to develop in the stronger cores in and close to the depicted area, although coverage will - of course - be hit-and-miss.  

“Rather humid low-levels should preclude too much in the way of strong wind gusts, but a few isolated gusts to 40-50mph are possible. Heavy rain is likely in places too.” 

(Image: TORRO)

It adds that hail could be a hazard, with some falling being as large as 15-20mm in diameter. 

Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain and thunderstorms this weekend. 

A Met Office spokesman said: “Showers and thunderstorms are expected to merge into broader areas of heavy rain across parts of Wales, central and southern England during Sunday. 

“There is a small chance that some rural communities will temporarily become cut off by flooded roads. 

“Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings. 

“There is a small chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses. 

“Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some temporary road closures.”