Severe weather warning issued for weekend

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as unseasonably strong winds - gusting at up to 60mph - are expected to batter Devon.

A spell of unseasonably strong southwesterly winds, accompanied by heavy, blustery showers, is expected to reach the South West UK during the early hours of Saturday, moving east across many parts of England and Wales through the day.

Gusts are expected to reach 40-50 mph inland, and 50 to very locally 60 mph along exposed coastlines in the south and west. Please be aware that these winds may lead to disruption to transport, and in view of the time of the year, there is increased potential for disruption to outdoor activities.

Also, strong winds and large waves will coincide with a period of spring tides this weekend. This is expected to lead to some localised instances of spray and wave over-topping of flood defences around the coasts of southwest England and Wales.

This warning has been updated to extend the warning more widely across England and Wales, whilst bringing forward the start time, this latter aspect only applicable to southwestern parts of England and Wales.

The five day regional forecast for Devon is as follows:

Today:
Rain in the morning will clear north-eastwards to give a drier and brighter interlude but with strengthening winds. The afternoon will then see some heavy and blustery showers and winds will become especially strong around the coasts. Feeling fresher. Maximum Temperature 22 °C.

Tonight
Winds will continue to increase overnight perhaps reaching gale force around exposed coasts. There will be some clear spells with most of the showers across western parts of the region. Minimum Temperature 14 °C.

Saturday
Sunshine and heavy, blustery showers will continue, with some longer spells of rain across some northern parts of the region. Winds will continue to reach gale force, especially around coasts. Maximum Temperature 20 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
Breezy at first, although soon turning drier and brighter. Further rain through Sunday night but then perhaps drier, brighter and warmer through Monday and Tuesday with lighter winds than recently.