The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) says a site investigation has confirmed Venn Ottery and Tipton St John were hit by a ‘tornado’ on Saturday evening (December 30).

Its intensity is still being assessed by the organisation.

In Tipton St John, a 150-year-old tree fell onto its owner Simon West's driveway and knocked down a telegraph pole during the freak weather event.

Mr West told the BBC he was inside when he heard rain followed by an “enormous cracking sound” as the tree fell apart, taking out their home's electricity when it damaged the pole.

The telegraph pole was replaced by National Grid on Sunday.

Residents reported several other trees coming down during the ‘tornado’, including one that blocked a road in Venn Ottery.

The suspected tornado arrived in the villages on Saturday evening. (Image: Paul Taylor)

Porch and stable roofs were also damaged, fencing was knocked over and recycling bins were left scattered by the ‘tornado’.

TORRO appealed for locals to share information about the incident on Saturday before posting an update on social media platform X on Sunday.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst the maximum intensity is still being assessed TORRO can confirm based on a site investigation that Venn Ottery and Tipton St John were hit by a tornado yesterday afternoon.”

Whilst the maximum intensity is still being assessed TORRO can confirm based on a site investigation that Venn Ottery & Tipton St John were hit by a tornado yesterday afternoon.

— TORRO (Tornado & Storm Research Organisation) (@TorroUK) December 31, 2023

TORRO says tornadoes are “violently rotating columns of air” that occur around 36 times each year in the UK, based on a 30-year average recorded between 1981 and 2010.

The organisation also says ‘mini-tornado’ is not a recognised expression, and the correct terminology is tornado regardless of its size or strength.

Do you have any pictures or videos of the suspected tornado?