A 'TORNADO' was spotted off the Isle of Wight today as thunderstorms battered parts of Britain.
The holiday island was deluged with 120mm (4.7 inches) of rainfall - nearly three times the average 50mm (1.9 inches) for August.
A waterspout 'tornado' was snapped earlier in the day above the town of Ventor and looming under a black thunder cloud.
It could be seen touching the sea's surface - making it a waterspout rather than a ground-hitting tornado - moments before the cloud burst.
Emergency services were forced to close roads in the area and rescue those who had become stuck in their vehicles as a result of the downpours, Island Echo reports.
There are now fears of a potential landslip in the town, with many roads underwater.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna told The Sun Online: “You generally need thunderstorm clouds for [tornadoes] to develop and mid week onward there is potential for funnel clouds at least.
“Certainly from Wednesday onward there is the potential for very heavy downpours to develop again and they could be thundery.”
STORM WARNING
Forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning for storms on Monday which cover areas including Cardiff, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and London and is in place until 11pm.
They are also predicting that up to 50mm of rain could fall in the space of just a few hours.
Nicola Maxey, a spokesperson from the Met Office, said: "This can lead to surface water flooding as drains cannot get rain away fast enough and spray on roads.
"However, not everyone within the area will see storms or rain, but the risk is there.
"More rain will be coming through this week, with the potential for thunderstorms on Wednesday."
Flooding has already affected the Isle of Wight, with the Met Office reporting that up to 120mm of rain had been recorded near the town of Ventnor.
South Western Railway urged customers to allow extra time for their journeys, while Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service advised those affected by flooding to move their valuables upstairs and do what they can to keep their electronics away from water.
As the week progresses, there will be a mix of sunny spells and showers, according to the Met Office.
Marco Petagna added: "Today and tomorrow, there will be a mixture of sunshine and showers for most across the UK.
"The weather will be more unsettled from Wednesday onwards. There's showers or longer spells of rain for most areas as we go from Wednesday into Thursday and potentially Friday as well."
But after Storm Fleur has hit, the temperatures are set to soar for another heatwave with highs of 30C in parts of the country.
The mercury is set to soar in the second half of August - potentially rising to around 30C.
The mega temperatures would be down to air travelling up from Africa and high pressure from the Azores.
The nation will first have to get through a period of showers and downpours, with more wet weather predicted over the next two weeks.
Between Tuesday and Thursday this week, showers will come and go, with some longer spells of heavy rain expected.
A Met Office forecaster said: “Scattered showers become heavier on Wednesday, with Thursday windy with more persistent rain - and unsettled conditions dominate the first half of August. Torrential downpours are likely in places.
“August 15 to 29 has above-average temperatures indicated, and possibly very warm conditions in the south at times. Most should see dry and fine weather.”
The torrential rain and inches of water has partially submerged some roads in the area causing traffic chaos.
Most read in News
It comes after the UK was battered by Storm Evert last week, with 70mph winds sparking chaos across the country.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The storm, which began on Thursday evening, produced its hardest hitting winds across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
But the weather didn't stop people partying, with soggy pals meeting in streets, bars and pubs to make the most of their new freedoms.
Brits flock to beaches and parks to bask in 25C sun after scorching Bank HolidayncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqecsKtfZoJ4gZVxa29npaB6uLHArZ%2Beql2bvLOxwpqqrWWSp7a1rcinZJqsnJa7tbXCZquoqp2au7V5056kqZ2ilsG2vsRo