Met Office issues London and South East weather warning for rain and wind

Parts of the UK were braced for colder than average weather at the beginning of the week, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for wind and rain across London and the South East.

The Met Office said heavy rain and strong winds will affect many southeastern areas of England today, with spray and flooding likely to result in "difficult driving conditions", and possible road closures, along with delays to train and bus services.

It has also warned that flooding is a possibility, saying homes and businesses could be flooded, while power cuts may occur, with "the potential to affect other services".

Read more: This is now the UK's hottest day in April since 1949 as temperatures soar

Despite colder than average temperatures for much of southern Britain today, tree pollen levels will still be moderate here, but low elsewhere pic.twitter.com/ANjnrdwNBG

— Met Office (@metoffice) April 30, 2018

"Heavy rain is likely to affect southeastern parts of England through today, intensities peaking during the morning in the far southeast then the afternoon in parts of East Anglia," the Met Office said.

"Coming from an unusual (northerly) direction may increase the likelihood of wind-related impacts. Note that these winds will also lead to large waves, and spray and overtopping around some coasts."

It expects rain to last for much of the day, and Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express have all warned that services could be affected and that they "may be cancelled, delayed or revised".

More details on that here.

The Environment Agency has also said travel disruption was expected today, with 32 flood alerts issued today, telling people to be prepared.

The switch in weather comes just after the UK notched up its warmest April day since 1949 and the hottest London Marathon on record. Thursday 19 April had temperatures nearing 29 degrees celsius in parts of London.

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CityAM

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