SHOCKING video footage shows a 'tornado' sweeping through east London, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Dozens of homes and vehicles have been damaged after reports of the small twister that residents say struck in the Barking area.
6
Dozens of homes have been damaged after reports of a tornado in east London
Unbelievable clips shared on social media show objects and debris flying through the air as the vortex hovers over homes.
Police and fire crews reported to the scene as terrified residents "heard a loud noise like thunder".
Slates were ripped from roofs and trees were torn from the ground while buildings and cars bore the brunt of the damage.
Bricks were left strewn across the streets after the supposed tornado wreaked havoc across the east London district, sending wheelie binds flying down streets.
Images shared on social media show collapsed walls as murky grey skies lingered in the background.
6
The force of the winds ripped trees from out of the ground Credit: Twitter 6
The 'twister' wreaked havoc upon people's homes Credit: Twitter
Barking and Dagenham Police wrote in a tweet, "Police were called at around 1920hrs to reports of damage caused to roofs, electrical equipment, street furniture and vehicles in Hulse Avenue and some surrounding roads in the #Barking area.
"This is a weather-related incident, during which there was a lightning strike.
"In addition to the lightning strike, we have seen reports of a tornado but cannot confirm this.
"There are no reports of any casualties. Officers are liaising with the local authority to ensure support is available to anyone affected by damage to property."
6
A car seen underwater in Dagenham Credit: Twitter/fzc22 6
The streets of Dagenham are swamped in floodwater
As well as the shocking reports of a tornado, Dagenham appears to be underwater.
Video footage shared on social media shows houses submerged in floodwaters and vehicles attempting to navigate the depths.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms this evening in the area which they cautioned could result in flooding and travel disruption.
A local resident told Express.co.uk: "The storm has just got here and it’s coming down.
Most read in News
hancock shockerLatest news as Matt Hancock's affair with close aide is exposed in video
Exclusive
IN HIDINGHancock mistress packs car after finding out secret affair is about to be exposed
World Exclusive
MATT'S AWKWARDWatch Matt Hancock snog aide in cringe video after checking coast is clear
OFF TO VISIT HAZ?Queen spotted off to Frogmore as Harry arrives back to reunite with Wills
SORRY, NOT SORRYHancock says 'I breached social distancing' but DOESN'T apologise to wife
"A mate three miles away who got it before us said there was a river running down his road.
"The rain is really hammering down on our roof, it’s almost as loud as our voices."
According to the Met Office, rare tornadoes in the UK are "typically small and short-lived, but can cause structural damage if they pass over built-up areas."
6
Drivers pictured trying to navigate through the flooded roads