A tornado warning has been issued for the South West, which is in place until 4pm this afternoon (February 22).

The website Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) is forecasting 'isolated brief tornadoes' from 1pm to 4pm on Thursday'.

It says this could bring wind gusts of 55-60mph, hail and lightning.

TORRO defines a severe thunderstorm as producing one or more tornadoes and/or waterspouts, hail with diameter of at least 20mm, non-tornadic winds gusting to 55 mph or more at the surface.

A suspected tornado struck the Sidmouth area on January 1, causing damage to a 150-year old Oak Tree and damaged telegraph poles.

TORRO said: "A cold front will cross the area overnight and on Thursday, with one or more waves developing along it. This may organise into one or more lines, and perhaps some cellular activity too. The lines may include misocyclones, and a low-topped supercell or two is possible in any discrete convection."

The Met Office forecast said: "Heavy showers, with hail and thunder possible across the South West.

"Bands of showers sweeping eastwards, these often heavy with perhaps the odd thunderstorm. Some sunny spells by the afternoon. Turning colder with temperatures much lower than of late. Gusty winds. Maximum temperature 7 °C."