15-hour weather warning as Coventry and Warwickshire brace for …
Coventry[1] is braced for strong winds and heavy rain this weekend with a weather warning issued by the Met Office[2]. Forecasters say the ‘unseasonal’ gusts are expected to cause mayhem until the early hours of Sunday (July 16).
Gusts are expected to reach over 40mph in some parts of the country, which can impact public transport, damage trees and make driving conditions difficult, the warning stated. Forecasters have described the conditions as ‘unseasonably windy’ and are warning of significant disruption in the West Midlands.
Already, the forecast has seen the cancellation of Nuneaton Market[3] on Saturday (July 15) as well as a number of other events across the West Midlands. Thunderstorms are also forecast this afternoon, along with heavy rain before thundery showers move in later today.
Sunday is expected to be less windy, but rain and showers will continue to hit some parts of the UK. Winds are expected to ease throughout the day with a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers in Coventry[5].
A weather warning has been issued for the West Midlands (Image: West Midlands Roads/Met Office)
A post on the Met Office[6] reads: “An unseasonably windy day is likely on Saturday (July 15). Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely, some short-term loss of power and other services is possible and it is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.
“Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely. Some damage to trees or temporary structures such as marquees, tents and inflatables, could occur. A deep area of low pressure will affect parts of the UK on Saturday with some very strong gusts of wind likely to its south.
“A blustery and showery day will see winds gust widely to 40mph, and perhaps up to 55mph during the daytime in association with showers. Some minor damage and travel disruption is likely. Winds will moderate later in the evening and overnight.”
Met Office[7] Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, added: “This is an unusual time of year for such strong winds and, with many people on holiday or planning outdoor activities, they are likely to cause some disruption. In addition, heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to standing water and spray on roads and consequently difficult driving conditions.
“Winds are expected to ease through the evening. Temperatures are expected to stay near average or rather cool over the coming days, especially in the rain and wind.”
West Midlands Roads said on Twitter[8]: “Met Office[9] has issued a weather warning for wind for part of the West Midlands, mainly Coventry[10]. Take care if planning on making a journey.”
Events cancelled across West Midlands
Cycle Solihull[11] Super Stretcher has been cancelled locally, as has Nuneaton[12] market. A number of events farther afield have also been ditched – as listed by our colleagues at Birmingham Live[13].
The Goodwood Festival of Speed has also been called off today. It was due to be shown on ITV1 this morning.
Sign up for our daily newsletter here[14] for all the latest news about Coventry[15].
References
- ^ Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Met Office (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Nuneaton Market (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Man named and charged after person ‘threatened with axe’ in Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Met Office (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Met Office (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Twitter (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Met Office (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Solihull (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Nuneaton (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Birmingham Live (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ here (data.reachplc.com)
- ^ Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)