Coastal gales to bring two days of travel disruption and large waves for Devon

The Met Office severe weather warning has been extended, to come into force from 3pm on Thursday

Author: Emma HartPublished 20th May 2021

Coastal gales of up to 60mph and heavy rain are sweeping across Devon

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for strong winds.

That was due to come into force at 6pm on Thursday, but has now been extended and will kick in at 3pm.

Forecasters say travel delays are likely, with the risk of damage to temporary structures and fallen trees.

The gusts are expected to trigger large waves and spray around our coasts too.

Meteorologist Steven Keates tells us the reason for the band of weather is a deep area of low pressure moving in off the Atlantic.

"It's quite unseasonable for this time of year and this is going to bring some heavy rain to parts of the UK but for parts of south-west England, the main hazard will be the wind.

"There's quite widespread gales looking to develop around coasts and hills in particular, but a bit windy inland as well".

Meteorologist Steven Keates

What can we expect?

The Met Office weather warning for strong winds will be in force from 3pm on Thursday 20th May until 9pm on Friday 21st May.

Forecasters say we can expect:

Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely

Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer

It's likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves

Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely

Some damage to outdoor temporary structures possible, with some tree branches down too.

"An unusually deep area of low pressure for the time of year will move slowly eastwards across a central swathe of the UK during Thursday night and Friday.

"In addition to some heavy rain, this low will bring with it a spell of relatively high winds.

"The windiest conditions will start to affect south Wales and south-west England Thursday late afternoon and evening before spreading across southern England Thursday night and early Friday.

"Inland, gusts up to 45 to 50mph are expected at times whilst over coasts and hills gusts will reach as much as 55 to 60mph.

"These high winds then slowly ease from the west during Friday".

Met Office

You can check the latest weather warnings for Cornwall here or watch the Met Office 10-Day Trend below...

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