Tornadoes in London are rare but have caused significant damage over the years, including a powerful cyclone that hit in 2006
London: Tornadoes aren’t something you hear about every day in the UK, but they do happen. Recently, parts of the UK were warned about possible tornadoes, especially between Bristol and London. Storm Eowyn is on its way, bringing some serious winds.
Historically, tornadoes in London have been pretty rare, averaging about 30 a year, and most are weak. But there have been some notable ones that really shook things up. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane.
The earliest recorded tornado in England hit London on October 17, 1091. It was a big deal back then, causing two deaths in a population of just 18,000. People described it as both a spectacle and a terrifying experience.
Fast forward to December 7, 1954, when a storm from Ireland crossed the River Thames and turned into a tornado. It caused damage in west London, uprooting trees and flooding roads. Thankfully, Richmond town center was spared.
Then there was the tornado in 2006, which was quite the whirlwind. It reached speeds of 160mph and left many residents shaken. One guy even said it felt like a cyclone. A lot of people had to leave their homes temporarily, and a few were injured.
Looking back, there have been other tornadoes across the UK, too. In 1913, a series of storms caused significant damage, and 1981 saw a record number of tornadoes, though thankfully, they were mostly weak.
So, while tornadoes in London are rare, they’ve certainly made their mark when they do occur. It’s a reminder of nature’s power, even in a city like London.
