Storm Austen unleashes tornado on UK town as rare weather phenomenon confirmed
Storm Austen unleashes tornado on UK town as rare weather phenomenon confirmed A tornado has struck Hampshire. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Lauran O'Toole 20:18, Sat, Oct 24, 2026 Updated: 20:20, Sat, Oct 24, 2026 A tornado has struck Hampshire as widespread disruption continues (Image: Getty) A tornado struck Hampshire as the season’s first named storm brought gusts of up to 84mph, causing widespread disruption and chaos. The tornado hit Portchester, a village on the eastern boundary of Fareham, shortly after midnight on Friday leaving a reported land track of approximately 1.6 kilometres. The tornado was associated with heavy showers moving inland from the English Channel as Storm Austen brought unsettled weather to the region. The Tornado & Storm Research Organisation (TORRO), who described the frightening weather event as “weak”, says further analysis is expected to establish more details about its track, intensity and any potential damage caused. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT One shocked local recalls waking up to a “massive bang” and thinking that his “roof was lifting off”. Kevin Saunders told The News : “It was an intense rush of wind and I thought my roof was lifting off. “Then all of a sudden we heard a massive bang, which all we can put it down to is my neighbour’s garden wall has gone down, so we think it was that.” Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Kevin had not initially considered that the rare weather phenomenon could have been a tornado until he received a surprise knock on the door from TORRO representatives on Friday. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT A weak tornado affected Portchester, Hampshire, just after midnight on 23 October, with a 1.6 km land track. It was associated with heavy showers that moved inland from the Channel, linked to Storm Austen. More details to follow after the analysis has concluded. https://t.co/yfuPoRCFsu — TORRO (Tornado & Storm Research Organisation) (@TorroUK) October 24, 2026 The opening named storm of the 2026/2027 autumn winter season, delivered powerful gales and torrential downpours across swathes of the UK. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT In Brighton, part of the iconic West Pier - an abandoned structure that first opened in 1866 - collapsed into the sea. Thousands of homes remain without power in south-west England as the second storm hit the UK in just more than 24 hours. Storm Boelo’s strong winds and heavy, frequent showers are set to batter northern parts of the UK with gusts potentially exceeding 80mph. Meanwhile, a large yellow warning for very wet and windy weather stretches across the whole of the UK’s north is in place until 9pm on Sunday. The Environment Agency has issued 22 alerts for spots across England where flooding is possible, as well as a warning that flooding is expected at New Brighton, Merseyside, because of high tides in the Irish Sea. Met Office issues 21-hour power cut warning for 34 areas on Sunday - full list Storm Boelo chaos as 6 ‘act now’ flood warnings issued across UK - full list UK weather Met Office Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments