Flood alerts issued for coastal towns in the south-west as gales and large waves coincide with high tides
Thunderstorms are forecast(Image: Dan Kitwood/ Getty Images)
Keep your umbrellas at the ready this week across the region as showers, gusty winds and even hail are expected to sweep across much of the South West.
Forecasters are warning of unsettled conditions continuing through to the end of the month and beyond.
The Met Office predicts a blustery night ahead with heavy showers bringing hail and thunder to some areas. Winds are set to strengthen by morning, with coastal gales developing in parts of the UK. Temperatures are expected to remain mild, with overnight lows around 10°C.
Monday will remain breezy, particularly along coastlines, where gusts could persist into the morning. Sunny spells will offer brief respite between heavy, thundery showers. Daytime temperatures could reach up to 16°C, slightly above seasonal averages.
Flooding is also possible around Monday’s high tides. High water at Plymouth is expected at 5:56am and 6:06pm, although times will vary along the coast. Strong westerly winds and large offshore waves are forecast to cause flooding between these times.
Areas considered most at risk include low-lying locations such as Fore Street, Town Quay, Albert Quay and Caffa Mill car park at Fowey; Quay Street and the recreation ground at Lostwithiel; Polperro Harbour; Quay Road and The Quay at Looe; and the B3247 at Seaton.
The Environment Agency has warned that large waves and sea spray could pose a hazard, urging the public to take care near the coast and avoid walking or driving through flood water or waves. Coastal conditions are expected to ease by Tuesday morning’s high tide.
South West Rain Map for Monday at noon (Met Office)
Forecasted high tide levels at Plymouth are 2.11m AOD in the morning and 2.24m AOD in the evening, with tide levels along the coast expected to be between 0.39m and 0.29m above tide table levels respectively. Force 6 westerly winds and offshore wave heights exceeding 3 metres are also expected. An update will be issued by 5pm on Monday or earlier if conditions change.
The weather is set to ease slightly on Tuesday, with fewer showers and more sunshine breaking through. However, the brief lull will not last. Showers and longer spells of rain are expected to return on Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by persistent winds and average temperatures.
Looking further ahead, the national outlook remains unsettled. From Friday, October 24 to Sunday, November 2, low pressure systems are expected to dominate. While strong winds and rain may ease slightly by the weekend, colder northerly winds could bring further showers along coastal areas, with clearer skies inland.
As November begins, weather systems from the west are predicted to bring further wet and windy conditions. Northern areas are likely to see the heaviest rain early in the month, shifting to the west later. Despite the gloomy skies, temperatures are forecast to hover around or slightly above the seasonal norm.
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