Strong winds batter UK as millions set to hit roads over Easter weekend

Winds of up to 70mph have battered the south coast, along with hail and thunder, as millions are set to hit the roads for Easter getaways.

Traffic at the Port of Dover in Kent as Easter weekend begins. Pic: PA

The weekend is set to be “unsettled” but “bright and breezy”, according to the Met Office forecast.

Drivers are being warned of long delays on roads as more than 14 million Easter getaway trips are expected.

The RAC and transport analysis company Inrix commissioned a survey which suggested 2.6 million leisure journeys by car will be made on Good Friday.

A ferry arrives at the Port of Dover in Kent during rough seas. Pic: PA

Find out the forecast for where you live

Meanwhile, at least three major airports have said that the coming days will be their busiest-ever Easter weekend while 493 different pieces of planned engineering works are set to take place on the railways.

Pic: Met Office

Yellow weather warnings for rain and strong winds were issued across parts of the south of England and Northern Ireland respectively on Thursday.

The caution for the south of England expired at 11.59pm on Thursday while the warning for Northern Ireland said “a few” homes and businesses could be flooded and is in place until 3am on Friday.

The unsettled conditions are expected to continue into Easter, as the bank holiday weekend leads into a two-week break for many schools.

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said Good Friday will be less windy than Thursday, with a few showers around on Saturday and Easter Sunday, along with pleasant sunny spells.

Traffic in Dover. Pic: PA

Temperatures of up to 15C (59F) are expected in west London and 14C (57.2F) in Manchester on Sunday, which is typical for the time of year.

PA file pic

King delivers personal Easter message

Man arrested over death of Gogglebox star

Owners of Crooked House appeal against rebuild order

Rain is then set to return to the south on Easter Monday.