The Met Office has escalated its weather warnings for the South West of England, placing Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset on high alert for a bout of severe conditions. A potent combination of powerful gusts, potentially reaching 70mph, and persistent heavy rain is forecast to sweep across the region, prompting concerns for public safety and travel.
The yellow warning for wind, active from 8am to 9pm on Wednesday, covers the entire coastline of Cornwall and Devon. Forecasters warn that the strong southwesterly winds could lead to travel disruption, particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed coastal routes and bridges. There is also a chance of some damage to temporary structures and a slight risk of power cuts.
Heavy, blustery showers are expected to accompany the high winds, with the potential for 15-20mm of rainfall in a short period. This raises additional concerns for localised flooding on roads, making journey times longer and conditions hazardous for drivers.
A separate yellow warning for rain is also in force for a smaller area of Dorset and Somerset, valid from 10am to 7pm. The persistent downpours here could see between 15-25mm of rain widely, with the possibility of 30-40mm accumulating over higher ground.
The Met Office advice is clear: residents and travellers in the affected areas should stay updated on the latest forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions. Delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport are likely, and those living in coastal communities should be mindful of large waves and spray.
