A tornado warning has been issued for parts of the UK, according to reports.
The UK's Tornado and Storm Research Organisation has given the warning for the south east of England until 7pm.
People have been sharing dramatic photos of grey clouds online from different parts of the country including Sheffield, Ramsgate in Kent and Selsey in West Sussex.
The Met Office said they have issued thunderstorm warnings for the south east of the country, from the Isle of Wight through to London and up to the Chelmsford area, Essex.
However the Met Office was not able to confirm reports of a tornado warning.
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A statement from the UK's Tornado and Storm Research Organisation on Facebook says: "An upper trough will continue to move ESE this afternoon across the area.
"Showers and thunderstorms have developed.
"Fairly steep low-level lapse rates, along with some low-level convergence/wind shift lines has allowed a couple of funnel cloud/potential tornado reports to come in already, and one or two more weak tornadoes are possible this afternoon.(sic)."
Social media users were shocked by the warning.
One said: "Don't think I've heard UK and tornado in the same sentence."
Torrential rain and howling winds have been battering most of the country today - leaving tourists on Britain's beaches running for cover.
The Met Office earlier warned more than half a month's worth of rain could fall in just two to three hours.
A separate warning for heavy rain was issued for an area including Manchester, Liverpool and parts of North Wales.
The Met Office said the main threats include a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes or hail.
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services, they added.
The Met Office also said spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost, forecasters said.
Met Office five-day weather forecast
Monday
A mix of sunny spells and showers today.
The showers will be heavy during the morning around southeastern coasts.
Elsewhere, a mainly dry and bright start, with the showers more frequent and heavy into the afternoon, possibly turning thundery.
Monday night
Some showers during the evening, particularly around coasts, but clearing to leave a mainly dry and cool night.
However, heavy showers will last overnight in some places, especially northwest England.
Tuesday
A few showers to begin, but these will ease in the southwest to leave a dry afternoon.
Elsewhere, the risk of showers continues into the afternoon, turning heavy in places.
Wednesday to Friday
Wet and windy on Wednesday with coastal gales.
Dry for many on Thursday, but a few showers possible.
More wet and windy weather on Friday and over the weekend.
