Met Office Yellow Warning: Wind 19th and 21st August 2020

Storm Ellen was named last night for the unusually windy mid-August weather expected across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Irish Sea and Celtic Sea later today, Thursday and for much of Friday. While we are predicted to escape the worst of these winds, during the same time we are still forecast to see unseasonably windy weather too.

Last night and today’s rainfall has been noticeable, with 15-25mm quite widely, and particularly heavy rain over Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor, with over 30mm recorded. The worst of the rain is now over, although we will see shorter spells of rain – 2 to 3 hours – this evening and again during Thursday evening.

However, it is the wind later today, Thursday and for much of Friday, which is likely to be more notable. It will be blowing in from between the south and southwest and the strongest winds are expected on south to southwest facing coasts/slopes of high ground and around IoS.

Currently, these winds could result in some LOW impacts. We could see in SOME PLACES fallen tree debris, even a few fallen trees; minor travel, comms and power disruption; affecting campsites, caravan sites and wild camping; and quite large waves and hazardous conditions on coasts and beaches for the public, especially at high tide, with potential for minor coastal flooding of roads/railway lines/properties.

We currently have TWO WIND weather warnings with a MEDIUM likelihood/LOW impacts (yellow) in place for these strong winds – across Cornwall, Devon and IoS.

1. For Cornwall, Isles of Scilly (IoS) and parts of west Devon. Valid from 20:00 today to 04:00 Friday 21 August.

2. For ALL of SW England. Valid from 04:00 Friday to 18:00 Friday 21 August.