Homes have been damaged after what residents described as a "tornado" swept through a seaside town.
Strong winds struck Frinton at around 11.45am today, tearing through several streets and causing extensive damage to trees and roofs.
Residents have reported damage in several roads including Stansted Way, Walton Road and Rainham Way, with others spotting garden furniture and outdoor tables and chairs blown away by the wind.
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) is investigating reports of a possible tornado.
Read more
A spokesman shared on Facebook: "We have seen reports of wind damage in Frinton, Essex that appears to have occurred around 11:45 BST today with reported structural damage to roofs and trees.
"Please do get in touch if you have any further reports [...] to allow us to conduct further analysis to determine what has occured."
The Met Office recorded gusts of up to 21mph in Frinton, though other localised reports suggested winds of up to 36mph near the beach.
Residents can submit severe weather reports to TORRO via its website at torro.org.uk/severe-weather-report.
TORRO will use submissions to support its ongoing analysis.
The organisation is a privately-supported, not-for-profit research body founded in 1974 that specializes in severe convective weather across Britain and Ireland.
Share