A mini-tornado in Derbyshire is reported to have blown gardenfurniture through a bedroom window.
Two cars also had their windscreens damaged by flying debris during the high winds that swept through Breaston in the last 24 hours.
The Met Office has not confirmed reports of tornados across the country but it verified that violent squalls had hit Northampton.
Damages to property and outdoor furniture were reported in Luton and Bedfordshire as well as Derbyshire.
Eyewitnesses in Breaston told BBC News that part of a factory roof had been blown off into a park which then had to be closed.
"The rain was coming down but it was going in circles instead of coming straight down," said resident George Mounsey.
Although there have been no injuries reported so far, emergency services are expecting delays to some rail services in the areas that have been worst hit by the wild weather.
Earlier this month financial experts emphasised the importance of homeowners remembering to insure their gardenfurniture, particularly expensive oak or pine items as well as patio furniture and small features such as bird tables.