A yellow weather warning for Bristol has been issued by the Met Office as more strong winds are expected to hit the region on Sunday and Monday. This new warning comes just a day after Storm Eunice wreaked havoc across England.
The warning comes into force at midnight tonight and lasts until 3pm on Monday (February 21). Wind gusts of up to 55mph are forecast to hit Bristol on Sunday, coupled with heavy rain in the afternoon. Network Rail has warned that trains in the south west will be limited to 50mph tomorrow due to the wind.
The Environment Agency has also issued a flood alert for the Severn Estuary at Severn Beach in Avonmouth due to expected high tides on Sunday that will coincide with spring tides. The agency says that flooding is "possible" and that residents should be prepared. A flood warning has also been issued for seafront properties along Clevedon's coast, warning that flooding is "expected" due to "large and powerful waves".
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The wind is forecast to pick up tonight, leading the Met Office to issue the yellow warning from midnight. The wind will build from that time and throughout the early hours of Sunday morning, with gusts of up to 44mph expected by 6am.
Those winds will continue to howl through the city with gusts of around 44mph throughout the morning, but that will build in the afternoon as the rain moves in. By 4pm on Sunday, expect gusts to reach a peak of 55mph.
The forecast says that the wind will settle slightly overnight, averaging between 41mph and 44mph in the early hours of Monday, before picking up again by 6am when the speed will reach 48mph. Those gusts are forecast to continue until around 3pm when the wind speed will drop to 38mph, and that will fall to 16mph by 9pm.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has also issued a flood alert for the Severn Estuary at Severn Beach due to expected high tides on Sunday that will coincide with spring tides.
The agency said: "Strong winds are expected to continue on the Bristol Channel on Sunday, coinciding with spring tides. We are expecting this to cause large waves and a tidal surge along the coast. First Forecast high water is 09:30 on 20/02/22 with a level of 7.34 mAOD and a Force 7 Westerly wind. Second forecast high water is 21:45 on 20/02/22 with a level of 6.66 mAOD and a Force 7 Westerly wind.
"Flooding to roads and farmland is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. We expect flooding to affect the Severn Estuary at Severn Beach including New Passage and Pilning.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads and stay aware in case further warnings are issued."
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “Winds will decrease from their exceptionally high levels on Friday, but there’s a continued wet and windy theme for many through the weekend.
“The south will see wet and windy conditions on Saturday, before areas to the north and west, including Northern Ireland, see some more potentially disruptive conditions on Sunday. Weather warnings have been issued but should be checked throughout the weekend for any ongoing updates.”
RAC Breakdown Spokesman Rod Dennis added: “Drivers will be glad to see the back of Storm Eunice but it looks like it will have a sting in its tail with conditions on the roads remaining challenging right through the weekend. With winds still strong and gusty, it’s important drivers don’t take any chances, so we urge them to slow down and leave plenty of space between themselves and the vehicle in front.
“It’s not just strong winds that they’ll need to contend with – roads will turn slippery in the north on Saturday, while on Sunday intense rainfall becomes a feature making driving arduous. If conditions get particularly bad again, people should consider postponing their journeys, and for those who have to drive, it’s vital they keep their wits about them at all times."
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Met Office South West England forecast
This evening and tonight:
A mostly dry start in the east this evening, but rain in the west will spread across all parts. Overnight will remain cloudy and damp with some outbreaks of rain or drizzle in places. Windy, with coastal gales possible later. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
Sunday:
It will be a largely cloudy day with rain and drizzle at times, this most persistent in the west. Mild but windy again with gales across the coasts and hills. Maximum temperature 13 °C.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Staying windy into next week. Brighter with showers, some heavy, on Monday. Rain spreading east on Tuesday, brighter later. Further showers or longer spells of rain on Wednesday.
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