Southampton has been issued with a tornado warning as high winds could reach 55mph.

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has forecast that much of southern England and Wales could see “one or two brief tornados,” due to gusty winds and the threat of lightning.

The tornado warning was issued yesterday and will remain in place until 10am today, Thursday, September 26.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for TORRO said: “A short-wave trough will cross the area Wednesday night in a post-frontal airmass.

“Modest instability and shear are expected across the area, with an area of showery rain, perhaps with embedded thunderstorms expected to move east-northeast overnight and into Thursday morning.

“Gusty winds and occasional cloud-to-ground lightning and hail may accompany the heavier cores, especially close to the south coast of England and across the Channel Islands.

“Reasonable low-level shear, including some backed surface flow ahead of the trough could assist in the development of one or two brief tornadoes.”

TORRO has also warned of gusty winds of up to 55mph in some areas.

The spokesperson added: “Further convective activity will follow into the south-west on Thursday morning, before moving/expanding east-northeast.”