Birmingham was today hit by a tornado reaching wind speeds up of up to 130mph. At least 19 people were seriously injured and the ferocious winds left behind scenes of devastation. It has been estimated that the Tornado was a T3 or T4 (between 93-130mph). There are around 35 reported tornadoes each year in the UK (BBC Weather Centre), although city centres are not normally affected as the winds are usually broken up by tall buildings before the storm has had chance to develop. Roofs were blown off and there many injuries were caused by flying debris, including bricks and street signs.

Peterborough (Cambridgeshire) was hit by a smaller tornado later in the afternoon causing some structural damage.

Article Entry: 29th July 2005

Follow up links:

New Articles:

Tornado Homes could by bulldozed - BBC News

Tornado injures 19 in Birmingham - BBC News

20 injured as Tornado hits Birmingham - The Independent Online

Tornado Hits Birmingham - Sky News

Tornadoes:

Fact Sheet - Tornados what cause them?

Information on Tornado Formation (BBC Weather Centre)

Syllabus Link: Good for Unit 6 (Synoptic) -Section B: Unit link - "Weather hazards and their impact on human activity"