70mph gales could hit Yorkshire today

South westerly winds are expected to intensify during today, with gales reaching 50-60mph, particularly in areas of south east Scotland and England’s far north.

The Met Office warned West Yorkshire to expect gales and locally severe gales over high ground, with some “very gusty” winds to the east of high ground as well.

Some areas may be battered by gusts of up to 70mph.

Forecaster Jenna Macgregor said: “It will be a very isolated 70mph, but that’s why we put the warning out - just because if that does happen there can be some disruption, especially to travel in the morning.”

Another low pressure system was expected to move east close to the north of Scotland throughout Monday.

UK residents would likely enjoy a reprieve from the gales this afternoon but further strong and gusty winds would pick up again in the evening, according to the warnings.

Ms Macgregor said there would be a north/south divide in the new week, with patchy rain in the country’s north and north west, but mainly cloudy conditions in the south.

The north west of England could continue to experience gusts of up to 60mph tomorrow, however the conditions will be calmer by Wednesday, she said.

Accumulations of rainfall driven by frontal systems over the weekend would mean any further rain this week could cause surface flooding, the Met Office said.

The expected rainfall - including a bout over the western parts of Yorkshire today- was being driven by warm air flowing in from the Atlantic.

The Met Office’s warning stated: “The public should be aware of the risk.”

“Much of the rain will be linked to the high ground of northern England with good shelter to the east.

“However, rivers are likely to rise in response to this rainfall and localised flooding is possible in the rain area as well as downstream in rivers flowing eastwards away from the Yorkshire Dales.”

Even after the rain subsides, the risk of localised flooding would remain as the bodies of water make their way through the river systems.

The gales will not be given a name by the Met Office due to a lack of intensity.

Ms Macgregor said: “With the system that’s moving through at the moment, it doesn’t look like there’ll be any moderate impact.”

Cumbria Police warned motorists to drive carefully as heavy rain and strong winds led to surface water flooding and difficult driving conditions across the county.

The M6 motorway in both directions is affected with the high winds resulting in debris in the road, while fallen trees have blocked the road in High Lorton, Cockermouth, and on the A596 at Wigton.

A police spokeswoman said: “Surface water flooding on roads can happen quickly and police are urging people to check the weather and roads before driving.

“Please drive to the conditions and do not attempt to drive through any water of which you are unable to judge the depth.”