Winds of 94mph batter coast of Aberystwyth

The Met Office and Meteogroup said they had yet to confirm reports that a tornado had hit parts of mid Wales after reports of strong winds and heavy rain.

Smashed windows and the wreckage of an overturned caravan were pictured on social media, while another video showed a metal frame being blown down some steps.

Aberystwyth Town FC were forced to cancel football training at Park Avenue after they posted a photograph of a floodlight bent in half onto the pitch.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews have attended 25 weather-related incidents.

Trees and roof tiles were also blown into roads, with several being forced to close, Dyfed Powys Police said.

The Aberystwyth lifeboat station recorded its strongest gust at 82 knots - 94 mph - shortly after 10.30am.

Although 94 mph is fast enough to exceed hurricane speed, forecasters said the wind came in surges and did not last long enough to be classified as a hurricane.

The "extreme winds" swept inland across mid-Wales towards Shrewsbury over the course of Thursday, Meteogroup said.

In the village of Shawbury, Shropshire, forecasters recorded a wind speed of 84mph.

Meanwhile, forecasters warned that show could arrive in parts of the UK overnight, with the Pennines expected to receive several centimetres.