Batten down - gales are on the way
After many parts of Devon saw a sprinkling of snow overnight, forecasters are now warning strong winds and heavy rain are heading our way.
Gusts of up to 50-65mph are predicted across Devon reaching 75mph on the coasts.
A Met Office spokesman said: "Another Atlantic low pressure system is expected to deepen significantly as it tracks towards the UK. The strongest winds will initially be across England and Wales during the second half of Wednesday into early Thursday before moderating. This may also lead to large waves on some coasts of Wales and southern England."
As well as the very strong winds, a band of squally rain is likely to sweep eastwards across many parts through the period.
Road users are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel this evening and into the morning of Thursday 15 January.
As a result of these strong winds, the Highways Agency has issued a Severe Weather Alert for high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and other vulnerable vehicles that may be at an increased risk of being blown-over.
The Highways Agency is responsible for the motorways and other major trunk-roads in England and is working closely with the Met Office, monitoring weather conditions, maintaining safe roads and delivering reliable journeys.
Road users are advised to plan for their journey before they set out, to allow plenty of extra time if travel conditions are poor or to consider delaying their journey if the weather becomes severe.
Up-to-date information on road conditions across England's motorways and major trunk-roads is available on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information or by calling our 24hr Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.
Living Streets is urging people to sign up to become a Snow Angel and think about clearing the paths of their less able neighbours as well as their own. For more information visit the Living Streets website.
The Met Office five-day forecast is as follows:
Today
A cold start, with hail, sleet and snow showers easing through the morning. A brighter interlude will follow, but will soon be replaced by increasing amounts of cloud as heavy rain and gales or severe gales develop by late afternoon. Maximum Temperature 9C.
Tonight
Very windy overnight with gales or severe gales, strongest over exposed coasts and hills. Rain will become heavy and persistent, clearing to the east by dawn with scattered showers following. Minimum Temperature 4C.
Thursday
Sunny spells and scattered wintry showers, which may be heavy at times with a risk of hail and thunder. Feeling cold with a brisk winds, strongest in coastal areas. Maximum Temperature 9C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
Cold, with clear or sunny spells and scattered wintry showers. Showers may be heavy at times with risk hail and thunder. Risk of more persistent rain later Saturday into Sunday.
Further advice and information:
Information about a winter driving kit and other advice to help motorists be prepared for winter is on the Highways Agency website at http://www.highways.gov.uk/winter.
For information on motorways and trunk roads in the South West follow @HAtraffic_swest or for the full index visit www.highways.gov.uk/twitter.
Traffic information is also available on Twitter on @winterhighways and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/winterhighways).
For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @HughHOCC and @DevonAlert
