Media outlets across the UK (and even some international organisations) honed in on Hayling Island yesterday as a mini tornado tore across part of the island and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage in the Selsmore/Fishery Lane area.
During the early part of Sunday morning an approaching weather system was leading with some very strong gusts and squally rain showers. Winds were swinging wildly in direction during the build-up and downpours became heavy. Early bird windsurfers reported an updraft of air just after 7am which swirled around for a while just offshore. The cell whipped up the sea state and then moved inland buffeting beach huts in the process. Continuing its journey the anomaly then went on to cause damage to buildings and cars as it made impact with a residential area on the eastern side of Hayling.
Within minutes of the incident the Hayling forum was buzzing with eyewitness reports concerned residents and observations of the volatile weather. The surfcam also recorded heavy usage as windsurfers kitesurfers and curious types all tried to get a glimpse of what was happening.
By mid-morning UK news wires were reporting on the storm and Hayling Island was all over the BBC Sky News and ITV. Many newspaper sites also picked up on the story and coverage became extensive even some US news channels had the tornado as a headline.
This morning local newspapers are reporting the on going clean-up. The harsh weather of yesterday has now passed although conditions according to forecasts are set to remain changeable and autumnal throughout the week.
If you have any observations thoughts video or pictures of the tornado or its aftermath then feel free to share in the forum thread here https://hayling.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=45183&page=11
