Severe gale-force winds and heavy rain are set to batter the South West as Storm Pierrick arrives just days after Storm Kathleen. The next area of low pressure blowing in from the Atlantic has been called Storm Pierrick by the French equivalent of the Met Office and is set to hit today, Tuesday, April 9.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued over 30 flood alerts and warnings for the region. Devon-based forecasters at the Met Office also warns of "severe gale 9" winds over the next 24 hours.
Across the area, rivers are bursting their banks, trees are being blown onto roads and bridge and ferry traffic is being delayed or cancelled. Flights at our local airports may also be delayed or cancelled.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "We're continuing with one area of low pressure after another, which is mainly down to the fact that the jet stream is a bit further south than it would normally be at this time of year."
This is a live blog. Please scroll down to see the latest weather and traffic updates.
Railway flooded
No service on Great Western Railway in both directions between Clifton Down and Severn Beach due to flooding. Limited replacement taxis are in operation.
M4 closure
M4 PRINCE OF WALES BRIDGE - GLOUCESTERSHIRE - WESTBOUND - BRISTOL
One lane closed and queueing traffic due to accident on M4 Prince of Wales Bridge Westbound from J22 M49 to J23 M48. Lanes one and two (of three), there's also an accident on the other side.
Crash on M5
#M5 - All traffic being temporarily held and stationary due to a collision, southbound from J22 (Burnham-On-Sea) to J23 A39 (Bridgwater North). pic.twitter.com/f4gAoogRMB
— Travel Somerset (@TravelSomerset) April 9, 2024
Crash on Prince of Wales Bridge
M4 PRINCE OF WALES BRIDGE - GLOUCESTERSHIRE - WESTBOUND - BRISTOL
All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M4 Prince of Wales Bridge Westbound from J22 M49 to J23 M48.
Stationary M5 traffic
M5 - SOMERSET - NORTHBOUND - BRISTOL
All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to traffic problem on M5 Northbound at J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead).Camera and sensors indicates no traffic is passing before 12:00.
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A48 flooded
DOCKS WAY - NEWPORT - BOTH DIRECTIONS
Docks Way in both directions closed due to flooding from Monmouth Castle Drive to A48 Usk Way (Maesglas Retail Park Roundabout).
Train service affected
NEW: #SevernBeach - No trains between Clifton Down and Severn Beach until the end of the day
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) April 8, 2024
https://t.co/BE1T300HCG
Met Office strong wind warning
Lands End to St Davids Head including the Bristol Channel - Strong wind warning
24 hour forecast: Northwesterly 7 to severe gale 9, decreasing 5 to 7, backing west or southwest 3 to 5 later. Rough or very rough, becoming moderate or rough, then slight or moderate later. Rain in north at first, then showers, fair later. Moderate or good, occasionally poor at first.
Outlook for the following 24 hours: Southwest 4 to 6, backing southerly for a time. Slight or moderate, becoming moderate or rough, occasionally slight later in Bristol Channel. Occasional rain or drizzle. Moderate or good, occasionally poor.
Rock Street flooded
ROCK STREET - CHACELEY - BOTH DIRECTIONS - GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Rock Street in both directions closed due to flooding from Werth Lane to Corse lawn turn off.
'Strong winds'
M48 SEVERN BRIDGE - GLOUCESTERSHIRE - BOTH DIRECTIONS - MONMOUTHSHIRE
Strong winds and restrictions on M48 Severn Bridge in both directions between J2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow) and J1 A403 (Aust).Everyone comes off Eastbound at J2 or West at J1, around the roundabouts and back on to cross the bridge, which remains open. Usual restriction in case the bridge needs to be closed quickly if cross winds get worse.