The Met Office has warned of strong winds and disruption across the South West. A severe weather warning for wind has been issued across large parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland today (Monday, April 15) until 10pm tonight.

Meteorologists say coastal communities may be affected by strong waves and sea spray, though it is unlikely to come close to last week's spring tides. Power cuts are also possible throughout the day, the Met Office has said, with delays likely on road, rail and ferry transport links.

Disruption is already starting to be felt across the South West, with the M48 Severn Bridge closed between Bristol and Wales and all sailings cancelled on the Cornwall St Mawes Passenger ferry. The warning came into effect at 6.25am and will remain in place until around 10pm today.

Read more:

The forecaster says: "A depression will move east just to the north of Scotland through Monday and will bring a swath of strong winds to Northern Ireland, Wales and much of England. Gusts of between 40 and 45 mph are expected widely inland with isolated gusts as high as 50 to 55 mph on exposed coasts and near to heavier showers. This is likely to lead to some disruption and longer journey times."

The northern coasts of Devon and Cornwall are expected to be the worst affected by the anticipated powerful winds. According to the Met Office weather map, gusts of more than 50mph will bash the coast at Ilfracombe and Lynton throughout the day. Wind gusts of more than 40mph are set to hit the exposed North Cornwall coastline.

Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice

The Met Office says we can expect:

  • It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves
  • Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
  • Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer
  • Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
  • Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely

It comes with a series of heavy showers throughout the day, particularly across Devon. The current weather map shows these will lighten up as the day progresses, stopping by around 10pm when the weather warning comes to an end.

Met Office South West forecast:

Today:

Sunny spells and blustery showers, possibly heavy at times with hail, especially through the morning, though becoming more scattered by the afternoon. Feeling noticeably chiller compared with recent days particularly in the brisk winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.

Tonight:

Showers easing overnight and becoming largely dry though staying fairly windy overnight and feeling chilly still in the brisk winds. Minimum temperature 6 °C.

Tuesday:

A drier day with sunny spells, though the odd shower still possible. Another breezy day though winds much lighter than Monday. Feeling fresher than of late. Maximum temperature 13 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Generally dry for the rest of the week though cloudy at times with some showers possible. Temperatures around the seasonal average and a noticeable fresher feel to the weather.