Rain, snow – and now 70mph wind warning
AWEATHER warning for strong wind is in place for much of the Westcountry today. The Exeter-based Met Office has issued a yellow alert for wind, with the possibility of gusts of up to 70mph.
The warning was issued for the period lasting from 7am until 6pm today and could lead to “hazardous conditions”.
It follows chaotic weather yesterday which saw sunshine, heavy rain, hail, and even snow falling across high ground on Dartmoor.
Today’s yellow warning for strong winds covers much of the South West, including southern and western Cornwall and the southern half of Devon, as well as coastal areas of southern England.
The Met Office has warned there is a “small chance” of injuries and risk to life as a result of the strong winds and large waves, as well as the possibility of hail and thunder.
Residents of the affected areas should expect potentially longer journey times, possible power cuts and impacts on mobile phone coverage.
For those travelling over the bank holiday weekend, the RAC have advised drivers to “be on their guard” regarding the changing road conditions. It comes as weather phenomenon El Niño near Peru is disrupting the trade winds globally, as well as the jet stream.
Looking further ahead, the Met Office said the forecast for the Easter weekend remained “unsettled” but “bright and breezy”.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With plenty of classic early spring weather over the Easter bank holiday weekend, drivers getting away will definitely need to be on their guard and ready to cope with rapidly changing road conditions.
“Slowing down in the heaviest of downpours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday is a must as stopping distances will be far greater.”
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “Good Friday sees lowpressure continuing to feed showers and longer spells of rain across the UK, although drier spells will develop in the east.
“Saturday continues this pattern, but for many, Easter Sunday is likely to be the best day of the weekend before conditions turn more unsettled again on Easter Monday.”