West wakes up to heavy winds and icy roads

THE West Country is set to experience heavy winds, plunging temperatures, icy roads and rain today, according to forecasters.

A yellow wind warning covers areas of South West England and South Wales between 6am and 6pm today, with gusts of 55mph to 65mph on land, and 70mph to 80mph in coastal areas.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said that two areas of low pressure were set to bring “very wet and windy weather”.

He said: “We’ve got two areas of low pressure that are coming towards the UK tonight and into tomorrow. First one’s towards the north-west of Northern Ireland and the second one’s coming up in Ireland and South West England.

“They’re going to bring some very wet and windy weather.”

He said that while there is uncertainty around the weather today, there is a risk of strong winds in coastal parts of Cornwall, Devon and South Wales.

Mr Burkill said that the winds could impact travel from airports in the region, such as Cardiff Airport and Exeter Airport.

Mr Burkill added there could also be “significant” rain in western areas of Wales and Northern Ireland today.

“There could be some significant rain,” he said.

“We don’t have a warning as of yet. But, you know, it’s not out of the question.”

Temperatures are also expected to drop to as low as – 4C (24.8F) in parts of the country this morning.

“It’s going to be quite cold towards particularly north-eastern UK,” he said.

“So, temperatures around minus four perhaps. And so that that brings the risk of ice and fog, so it’s difficult driving conditions there.”