New Met Office weather warning issued as county prepares for hours of ‘very strong’ winds

A new weather warning has been issued for the East Midlands, with wind gusts of around 45mph expected to hit the region. People have been told to prepare their properties ahead of the ‘very strong’ winds by the Met Office, Lincolnshire Live reports

The yellow warning will be in place between 10pm tonight (Sunday, January 26), and 7am on Monday (January 27). The winds will move towards the northeast from the south coast from Sunday evening, with Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire all affected.

Gusts of around 45mph are expected earlier today too in the cities of Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln. Winds of similar speeds are expected to hit the East Midlands region tomorrow morning too.

The Met Office said: “A brief (in any one location) spell of very strong winds is possible overnight Sunday into Monday, moving northeastwards across parts of the highlighted region. Gusts of 55-65 mph are possible, should this spell develop, with a very small chance of localised gusts of up to 80 mph, particularly near coasts.

“Confidence remains very low with regards to the track of this development, if it occurs. The strongest winds will probably only affect a narrow swathe somewhere within the broader warning area.”

A yellow weather warning for rain is also in place affecting Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. This came into force at 8am on Sunday and will remain in place until 6am on Monday.

Spells of heavy rain may lead to some local flooding during Sunday and Monday, the Met Office said. The forecaster explained: “A period of heavy rain is likely to affect central and southern England and much of Wales during Sunday morning followed by some heavy, thundery showers.

“Quite widely, 10-20 mm will fall, with locally nearer 30-50 mm over high ground, particularly over exposed south or southeast-facing upslopes. It’s then likely that a further spell of heavy rain may develop and affect parts of England and Wales on Sunday evening, clearing early Monday and should this be the case a few places may see as much as 80 mm of rain in total.

“Given recent heavy rain, this extra rainfall could lead to some local surface water and river flooding.” The forecaster added that the weather could lead to some transport delays, including by road and rail.

Some damage could also be caused to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, while some power cuts could also occur. The Met Office said: “Prepare to protect your property and people from injury.

“Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”