Tornados could hit Sussex today.

A warning, from the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro), is in force until this evening and covers the whole of the South East and parts of the South West.

The organisation said hazards include isolated brief tornadoes, hail and gusty winds of up to 50mph.

“A shortwave trough will move north east through today. Showers and isolated thunderstorms are already present around parts of south west and South England and these will tend to move north east through this morning, with other showers and a few thunderstorms developing inland via diurnal heating,” said Torro.

Read more: 'Tornado' in Sussex caught on video

“Deep layer shear is favourable for small clusters or lines of storms to form, and whilst low-level shear is reasonably modest, some backing of the flow ahead of the trough could assist in the development of low-level rotation, and perhaps a brief tornado or two.

“The most likely area of this to occur is across southern counties in the depicted area, but as models are keen to develop rather widespread showers through the day, the risk is drawn in a broader sense.

Read more: Houses and cars damaged as Sussex hit by 'mini tornado'

“Gusty winds and CG lightning will affect some places, along with hail.”

The tornado warning comes amid a yellow weather warning for rain from the Met Office, which will end at 9am tomorrow.

The weather service said heavy rain could cause flooding and travel disruption.

Sussex is no stranger to the weather phenomenon with Littlehampton and Sompting being hit several times in the last year.

During Storm Ciaran in November, a tornado ripped tiles from roofs and left a trail of disruption in Sompting.