Parts of the UK woke up to a winter wonderland as Storm Nelson brought several inches of snow, strong winds of up to 70mph, and heavy rain. This unseasonable weather is not what people were expecting as they prepare for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow, wind, and rain across the country, with gusts of 70mph expected in coastal areas. Brighton, Portsmouth, and Plymouth are particularly at risk of hazardous conditions due to strong winds. There is also a small chance of injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts.
Despite it being almost April, parts of Wales, including Swansea, have been transformed into a winter wonderland overnight as the pouring rain turned to snow. The yellow weather warning for snow has ended, but unsettled conditions are expected to continue later today. Northern Ireland is now under a new warning for heavy rain, which will last until 3am on Friday. The Met Office has advised travelers to be cautious of changing road conditions over the weekend. The RAC has also urged drivers to be on their guard.
(Source: Metro)
Residents in the affected areas should brace themselves for longer travel times, potential power outages, and disruptions to mobile phone service. Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts an “unsettled” but “bright and breezy” Easter weekend. Temperatures could even reach 15°C in west London and 14°C in Manchester on Sunday.
According to RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis, drivers heading out for the holiday weekend should be cautious and prepared for rapidly changing road conditions. It is crucial to slow down during heavy rain on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, as stopping distances will be significantly longer.
Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge explained that on Good Friday, low-pressure systems will bring showers and longer periods of rain across the UK, although drier intervals will occur in the east. This weather pattern will continue on Saturday, but for many, Easter Sunday is expected to be the best day before conditions become unsettled again on Easter Monday.
Madge added, “By following the forecast, everyone can make the most of the weekend.”
