A tornado damaged properties and knocked over trees as it ripped through Aldershot on Friday.
The freak weather event struck the Hampshire town at midday, causing widespread chaos.
Miraculously, no injuries were reported despite the destruction.
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro) said that it had tracked the length of the movement of the tornado to be 2km long.
Final rating to be awarded. Preliminary track length 2km, but ends not fully explored due to terrain and timing. https://t.co/8D7ykLJ9wf
— Sarah (@Sarah_Hants) September 20, 2024
The organisation’s investigator posted on Twitter that they had given the tornado a preliminary T1 or T2 rating which would rate it as a light or mild tornado.
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Firefighters were part of a joint response at an incident in Aldershot yesterday after a number of properties and trees were damaged in strong winds.
“Crews from Rushmoor and Surrey FRS were first called shortly after midday and worked closely with partner agencies to make the scene safe.”
In a statement, Rushmoor Borough Council said: “There was a weather event in Cadnam Close, Aldershot, which caused damage to two blocks of flats and brought down several trees.
“Luckily no one was injured.
This afternoon around midday there was a weather event in Cadnam Close, Aldershot, which caused damage to two blocks of flats and brought down several trees. Luckily no one was injured. (1/2)
— Rushmoor Council (@RushmoorCouncil) September 20, 2024
“Damage to property has also been reported nearby in Lower Farnham Road, Osprey Gardens, Basing Drive, Andover Way, Ayling Lane, Sandown Crescent and Boxalls Lane.
“We are now working closely with all of our partner agencies to make the scene safe.”
Alex Baker, Labour MP for Aldershot, posted on X: “I’ve been out talking to residents whose homes were damaged.
So there was a tornado in #Aldershot today🌪️
— Alex Baker MP (@Ms_Alex_Baker) September 20, 2024
I’ve been out talking to residents whose homes were damaged. Thank you Rushmoor Fire Brigade, the teams from VIVID Homes and everyone else who came out to help with the clear up - a great community effort 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5miWG8JtUH
“Thank you Rushmoor Fire Brigade, the teams from VIVID Homes and everyone else who came out to help with the clear up – a great community effort.”
