UK weather warnings for wind and rain issued in run-up to Easter weekend
Heavy rain and strong winds could disrupt travel and pose a risk to life in the run-up to the Easter weekend, forecasters have said.
The Met Office issued yellow warnings across parts of Northern Ireland and the south of England.
Forecasters said heavy rain could affect travel and infrastructure in the east of Northern Ireland on Wednesday and Thursday, with 15-20mm of rainfall in some areas.
A yellow warning for 70mph (113km/h) gusts would be in place on Thursday for most of the south coast of England, from East Sussex to Cornwall.
The Met Office said there was 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.
For those travelling over the bank holiday weekend, the RAC advised drivers to beware the changing road conditions.
People living in affected areas should expect longer journey times, potential power cuts and disruption to mobile phone coverage.
The Met Office said the forecast for the Easter weekend remained unsettled but it was likely to be bright and breezy, with temperatures of up to 15C (59F) in west London and 14C in Manchester on Sunday, typical for this time of year.
A spokesperson for RAC Breakdown, 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.”
The Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said: “Good Friday sees low pressure 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.”