Ross-on-Wye residents face a battering from 50mph winds and torrential rain as the Met Office issues a severe weather warning for the Herefordshire market town and surrounding areas.
The warning takes effect at midday on 18 May and runs until midnight on 19 May, with meteorologists predicting up to 20mm of rain could fall within hours—raising the risk of flash flooding across the region.
Local authorities are urging residents to secure garden furniture, trampolines and other loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in the fierce winds. Travel should be avoided unless absolutely essential.
The combination of heavy downpours and strong gusts could trigger power cuts and damage to buildings, the Met Office warned. Areas prone to flooding should be particularly vigilant as drainage systems struggle to cope with the sudden deluge.
Today's forecast shows winds reaching 40-50mph with heavy showers and temperatures peaking at just 12C, dropping to 9C overnight. Tomorrow offers little respite, with 30-40mph winds and light showers continuing, and highs of only 11C.
The severe weather warning extends beyond Herefordshire to cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, South West England, Wales's Gwent and Mid and West Wales regions, Strathclyde in Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Residents across all affected areas are advised to remain indoors where possible and exercise extreme caution if venturing outside becomes necessary.