High winds, heavy rain and no trains – it’s a bank holiday weekend in Brighton

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for today (Saturday 26 March) and another for Easter Monday (28 March).

The official weather forecaster has warned that high winds will affect the Sussex coast, including Brighton and Hove, with gusts of up to 60mph today and 70mph on Tuesday.

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Forecasters predicted a combination of wind, rain and strong waves hitting the shore.

And to make it even more like a typical bank holiday weekend, train operator Southern said that there would be no services to and from London on the mainline until Tuesday morning (29 March).

Network Rail said that it was carrying out “major renewals at Battersea”.

After a glorious Good Friday yesterday, the Met Office said this morning: “A swathe of strong winds, accompanied by a band of heavy rain will move east across England and Wales during Saturday afternoon and early evening.

“This is expected to bring gusts of 40mph to 50mph to inland areas, perhaps 60mph across exposed coasts and hills, as well as on the passage of the cold front, when heavy rain could also produce some very localised surface water flooding.

“Please be aware of the possibility of localised low levels of disruption to Easter travel plans and other holiday activities.

“An active frontal zone is expected to move east across the country through Saturday, accompanied by strong, gusty winds and one or two spells of heavy rain.

“While expected wind gusts will not be unusual for March, the fact that it is Easter may lead to a few extra problems.

“Winds should ease markedly as the front clears through, particularly in the south.”

While it may be breezy tomorrow (Sunday 27 March) the speed and the strength of the wind is not enough to prompt a severe weather warning.

But the Met Office said: “Winds will strengthen markedly across southern England and through the Bristol Channel from the start of Monday, with the potential for 50mph to 60mph gusts inland and 70mph gusts around coasts exposed to the south.

“While there is a low likelihood of all areas seeing these strong gusts for a time southern coastal counties from Hampshire eastwards look most likely to see the strongest winds.

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“These will then ease from the south west during the morning, clearing from the east early in the afternoon.

“Additional hazards may include large waves around exposed coasts as well as a period of heavy rain.

“Please be aware of the potential for disruption to outdoor activities and travel, as well as the possibility of fallen trees and temporary interruptions to power supplies.

“An area of low pressure is expected to rapidly deepen to the south west of the UK later on Sunday and then run north eastwards across England and Wales on Monday accompanied by some very strong winds, large coastal waves and heavy rain.