According to folklore, March ‘comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb’.
But the proverb has been turned on its head as a storm is set to batter the South today, bringing 70mph winds, heavy rain, hail and thunder.
Some snow even fell in parts of Devon and Wales overnight – after accumulations also built up at the other end of the UK in the Scottish Highlands earlier this week.
Officials in Devon said teams were ‘working all night to keep the roads passable but drive with extreme care, avoid high roads and stick to main roads where possible.’
The UK overnight low was -4.9C (23.2F) at the Cairngorm summit in the Highlands, while temperatures in cities including Newcastle and Inverness fell to 0C (32F).
A wind warning has been issued for between 7am and 6pm, covering coastal areas between Land’s End and Brighton, where the worst of the conditions are expected.
The weather system has been named Storm Nelson by Spanish meteorologists in what could be seen as an ironic gesture about Britain’s victorious vice admiral as it heads for our shores.
It is the UK’s first named storm since January but the 11th of the current season, which began in September.
Today’s weather warning, issued by the UK Met Office, predicts road, rail, air and ferry disruption, as well as cuts to electricity and mobile phone networks.
Russ Young tweeted a photograph of snow falling on a residential road in Devon overnight
One social media user tweeted this photograph of snow in Plymouth, Devon, overnight
Another social media user posted a photograph of snow falling overnight in Devon
Snow falls in Devon overnight today as the UK experiences severe weather conditions
Forecasters added: ‘There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.’
Describing the weather, the Met Office said: ‘A deep area of low pressure will bring a spell of very windy weather to parts of southwest and then southern England on Thursday.
‘Gusts of 50 mph are expected quite widely, while some exposed coastal spots may experience gusts of 60 to 70 mph, with large waves also likely.
‘The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy, squally showers with the possibility of hail and thunder in some locations.
‘Hail won’t fall everywhere but where it does it can quickly make road surfaces slippery, while surface water and spray are likely to worsen travel conditions rather more widely.’
TODAY: Wet and windy conditions are expected to hit many parts of Britain throughout today
TODAY: The Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow, wind and rain in the UK today
STORM NELSON: A map by Spanish weather service Aemet showing the low pressure system
GOOD FRIDAY FORECAST: Showers and breezy conditions for Britain this Friday with 14C highs
Further north, a separate band of cloud and showery rain will bring damp conditions before clearing this afternoon – followed by more rain later as Nelson moves north-eastwards.
The Met Office added that showers are due to continue into Good Friday, when it is due to be bright and breezy.
Forecasters said showers are due to become ‘more scattered on Saturday and Easter Sunday’ when it should ‘feel warmer in the sunny spells and lighter winds’.
Temperatures in southern England on Easter Sunday could reach highs of 15C (59F) – warmer than the Spanish capital Madrid, which is due to be cool and showery with temperatures of just 10C (50F) on Easter Sunday.
GOOD FRIDAY: The Met Office has warned of ‘unsettled’ weather for much of Europe this week
EASTER SATURDAY: Spain and Portugal are likely to see thunderstorms and strong winds
Maximum figures of 14C (57F) are expected as far north as Manchester.
For those travelling over the bank holiday weekend, the RAC have advised drivers to ‘be on their guard’ regarding the changing road conditions.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: ‘Drivers getting away will definitely need to be on their guard and ready to cope with rapidly changing road conditions.
‘Slowing down in the heaviest of downpours on Good Friday and Easter Saturday is a must as stopping distances will be far greater.’
