Met Office issues 15-hour yellow weather warning with bank holiday travel chaos

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for the Easter bank holiday weekend. Heavy rain will hit the south west of England on Good Friday and Saturday, causing some disruption.

The Met Office weather warning covers Cornwall, Plymouth and the majority of Devon. It is in place from 6pm tomorrow (Friday, April 18) until 9am on Saturday.

Forecasters are warning of a "prolonged spell of rain" which could result in travel disruption across the region. They say that flooding is also possible and there could be power cuts as a result of the turbulent weather.

The Met Office expects between 20mm and 40mm of rain to fall by Saturday morning. Meanwhile, areas near higher ground could see up to 75mm of ranfall.

The forecaster said: "Rain developing early Friday becomes heavier and more persistent later on Friday and persists into Saturday before easing from Saturday late morning. 20 to 40 mm of rain is likely to build up widely by Saturday morning and 50 to 75 mm rain is likely over and near areas of higher ground, especially Dartmoor. Conditions will also be quite windy."

They have outlined what to expect during the course of the warning:

• Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible
• Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
• Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
• Some interruption to power supplies and other services possible

Elsewhere, the Easter weekend is expected to bring "changeable" weather. Forecasters expect spells of rain across western areas with some sunny intervals and average temperatures for this time of year.

In its long-range UK forecast, which runs from Monday, April 21 until Wednesday, April 30, the Met Office said the heaviest rain will hit the south of England. It says: "With time, this showery theme should become more confined to southern areas as pressure builds from the north, and by the final weekend of April high pressure may dominate most of the UK."

The forecaster is also expecting "warmer conditions" by the end of the month. They added: "It is possible that by the end of April, warmer conditions may develop, either through increased amounts of sunshine day on day or through a southerly airflow becoming established."

Met Office 5-day forecast for the UK Today:

Early rain in Scotland turning showery with sunny spells. Elsewhere mostly dry with sunny spells and scattered showers. Lighter winds for all, cooler under cloud in Scotland, but feeling warmer, especially in the sunshine.

Tonight:

Any remaining showers becoming confined to northern Scotland, otherwise mostly dry with clear spells. Outbreaks of rain arriving across the far south and west later, with a strengthening wind.

Friday:

Rain already across the south and west will spread slowly eastwards during the day, however much of eastern England and Scotland will remain dry. Feeling warm in the sunnier east.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Remaining changeable as we move through the Easter weekend. Further spells of rain likely, especially across western areas, although some sunnier intervals also expected. Temperatures likely to remain near average.