Shocking footage shows clouds swirling overhead after extreme weather in London saw trees toppled, property damaged and brick walls torn down, with residents describing the incident as a tornado. The video contains some strong language:
Police were called to Hulse Avenue in Barking at around 7.20pm this evening following the extreme weather event, which saw lightning strikes and reports of a tornado. There were no reports of any casualties.
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Images show the streets littered with overturned bins, felled trees, and brick walls collapsed following the strong winds.
Barking and Dagenham Police wrote on Twitter: "Police were called at around 1920hrs to reports of damage caused to roofs, electrical equipment, street furniture and vehicles in Hulse Avenue and some surrounding roads in the Barking area.
"This is a weather related incident, during which there was a lightning strike.
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"In addition to the lightning strike, we have seen reports of a tornado but cannot confirm this. There are no reports of any casualties. Officers are liaising with the local authority to ensure support is available to anyone affected by damage to property."
Dagenham Council tweeted: "We're aware of the severe weather damage in the Barking area and our Immediate Response team along with the police and fire brigade are on hand sorting any issues."
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in the area this evening, with reports also emerging of flash floods.
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Many took to social media to describe the terrifying scenes, including Sky News reporter Kiran Bhangal who tweeted: "Just experienced a #tornado in #Barking, east London. Dozens of cars and homes damaged. Police and fire crews on the scene. Very scary indeed."
In footage of the incident, one resident can be heard saying as he watched the powerful winds from his window: "What the hell is happening here? Oh my God. Oh s***, the wall broke. The whole wall broke. Oh my God.
"I think I'm in a tornado. The whole wall broke."
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One local resident told the Express: "The storm has just got here and it's coming down. A mate three miles away who got it before us said there was a river running down his road.
"The rain is really hammering down on our roof, it's almost as loud as our voices."
Commenting on the frequency of tornados in the UK, the Met Office website reads: "Around 30 tornadoes a year are reported in the UK.
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"These are typically small and short-lived, but can cause structural damage if they pass over built-up areas."
LADbible has contacted the Met Office for a comment.
