Winds of up to 75mph and even possible tornadoes are set to batter parts of the South West today as a result of Storm Noa. A yellow weather warning for wind was previously put in place by the Met Office across almost all of the South West region from 6am today (April 12) with the county set to be buffeted for 14 hours.
However, the forecaster has now updated the warning over West Somerset, Devon and Cornwall as of around 9.30am, as a result of impacts of what has been named by Meteo France as Storm Noa.
The new warning is still stated to remain in place until 8pm tonight. The details of the alert indicates that winds of up to 75mph could hit parts of the counties, with outbreaks of heavy rain also set to douse the region.
READ MORE: Storm Noa: Planes struggle to land at Bristol airport in strong wind gusts
Netweather.tv has even suggested that the possibility of tornadoes of the region "can't be ruled out" as strong winds move across the region.
The Met Office says: "West or northwest winds in association with Storm Noa, named by Meteo France, will continue to increase during Wednesday morning, peaking through the middle of the day, when 50 to 60 mph gusts are expected.
"Gusts of 70 to 75 mph are possible along parts of the north coast of Devon and Cornwall, as well as exposed headlands elsewhere. Outbreaks of heavy rain or showers will accompany the strong winds."
The warning also warns people in affected areas to expect:
- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, together with possible closure of bridges
- Some damage to buildings is possible, with some branches blown off trees, and perhaps a few fallen trees
- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Injuries could occur from large waves or flying debris
France has issued Status Orange weather warnings for three regions in the north of their country relating to the same weather system that is bringing this weather across the South West and have named it Storm Noa.
Netweather.tv have predicted further disruption in the South West, including 'isolated tornados'. Netweather.tv said: "A very strong SWly low-level jet will likely organise convection into fast-moving squally line segments capable of allowing damaging convective wind gusts to reach the surface (60-70mph) - particularly across SW England, Bristol Channel, and south coast.
"Although strong surface winds may limit the potential, strong low-level shear is indicated by models, so one or two tornadoes can’t be ruled out too where surface winds back against strong SWly flow aloft."
The Met Office five-day forecast for the South West
Today (Wednesday):
Showers merging into longer periods of rain with heavy bursts. Hail and thunder are possible in places. A drier end to the day with some sunshine, especially in the west. Very windy with severe gales on coasts. Feeling unseasonably cold. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Tonight:
Staying windy this evening, but gales gradually becoming confined to coasts. Turning much drier with long clear periods and becoming chilly. Further showers, possibly heavy returning to western areas later. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
Thursday:
A drier and brighter day for most with sunny spells. Scattered showers developing, these turning locally heavy, but some places staying dry. Feeling a little warmer with much lighter winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Breezy on Friday with outbreaks of rain, then a fine day on Saturday with sunny spells and lighter winds. Rather cloudy on Sunday with rain and drizzle. Temperatures gradually rising.
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