Ellen’s rain and gales storm the West Country

‘Drivers will need to take real care’

Britain’s first named storm since February is expected to lash western parts of the country with heavy rain and gales of up to 65mph.

A weather warning has been issued for storm Ellen’s arrival, covering last night and the whole of today, for the West Country and western Wales.

Damage to buildings, delays to transport and large waves are expected.

showers and rain are likely further inland – but eastern areas are due to remain dry and bright.

In its warning, the Meteorological Office said: ‘A spell of strong southerly winds were expected to develop across south-west England and move north to affect much of the western United Kingdom through the early hours of thursday.

‘Gusts of 55mph are possible inland, with 65mph around coasts and hills. Winds may temporarily ease during thursday morning. A band of heavy rain is likely to move east late afternoon and overnight accompanied by similarly strong, perhaps squally winds.’

the Met Office warns the winds could cause transport delays and difficulties for high vehicles on exposed roads.

there could also be ‘short term loss of power’, trees brought down and some coastal areas and sea fronts are likely to be ‘affected by spray and/or large waves’.

Motoring organisations urged drivers to be vigilant. RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: ‘strong winds will mean journeys will take longer than usual, and could be affected by fallen branches. Add in some very intense rainfall and drivers will need to take real care.’

‘We urge every driver heading out to make sure their car is up to the task to avoid a breakdown in the wind and rain, especially if they’re taking a longer trip – in particular check the condition and pressure of all tyres before setting out.’

Met Office chief meteorologist, steve Ramsdale said: ‘We are seeing a significant change to very unsettled conditions for August with an unseasonal spell of strong winds.’

storm Ellen comes after the remains of tropical storm Kyle brought heavy rain to England and Wales yesterday.

the wettest place was Cornwood, south Devon, which had 36.2mm (1.4in) in the 12 hours to noon. the average for the whole of August in Devon is 83mm (3.26ins).

there was also 10-20mm of rain across most of southern England during the same period yesterday.

Britain’s last named storm was Jorge which came at the end of the wettest February on record.

Jorge brought 60mph winds and caused extensive flooding, especially in south Wales, shropshire and south Yorkshire.

Forecasters predict the eastwest divide to continue over the coming days, with heavy showers in the west and brighter conditions in eastern areas.