RESIDENTS in Halstead and Braintree were shocked to see a tornado form in the skies above them yesterday.

Strong winds and rain drenched Essex on Sunday with the Met Office issuing severe weather warnings.

But, on top of the rain and wind, residents in Braintree and Halstead were surprised to see a tornado form overhead.

The tornado was spotted by a handful of residents above Braintree with the large weather event being spotted from more than five miles away in Halstead.

It developed above the town at around 2.45pm but only lasted for a short time.

Amy Phillips was surprised to see the tornado from her window at Firwoods Road in Halstead.

After rushing to a nearby field to get a better look, she said: "I took the photo at 2:45.

"There was a lot of thunder and it was raining and humid.

"I just happened to look out the window at the right time.

"It was only there a couple of minutes at most and then it broke up."

The Met Office had issued a severe weather warning for south Essex from Sunday morning at 5am to midnight on Sunday, warning of thunderstorms which could lead to flooding.

The Met Office said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms may lead to flooding and transport disruption in places on Sunday."

It added to expect difficult driving conditions due to flooding, delays to travel services, damage to homes or businesses and power cuts.