A band of strong winds are currently battering much of Britain, forcing the Met Office to issue a brutal warning. A new yellow weather warning for wind has been issued, active as of 6.25am today (April 15) until 10pm.

In a statement it said: “A depression will move east just to the north of Scotland through Monday and will bring a swath of strong winds to Northern Ireland, Wales and much of England.

“Gusts of between 40 and 45 mph are expected widely inland with isolated gusts as high as 50 to 55 mph on exposed coasts and near to heavier showers. This is likely to lead to some disruption and longer journey times.”

A total of 10 regions are affected with 111 counties banded under the alert.

In terms of what to expect, the forecaster adds that some coastal routes, sea fronts and communities near the coastline will be affected by spray and large waves. Rail, air and ferry transport are likely to be impacted by delays, with some short term power loss possible.

“Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely,” it says. While the warning is purely for wind, there is some rain forecasted over the next 24 hours.

A vertical band of rain is set to travel down the country from Scotland today, but it will only be brief as it unleashes sporadic showers across much of England. Despite a drier weekend, there are still 65 flood alerts active for much of Britain with eight flood warnings in place.

Met Office forecast for this week

Today:

A narrow band of squally heavy rain clearing England and Wales by late morning. Blustery showers, with hail and thunder already in the north spreading to all parts during the afternoon. Feeling colder than of late, with gusty winds.

Tonight:

Showers dying out across much of the country, but persisting across the Northern Isles and along North Sea coasts. Clear spells developing, but remaining rather windy.

Tuesday:

Drier on Tuesday with sunny spells and scattered showers, these mostly in the north and west, but also across the south and east at first. Feeling chilly with blustery winds.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Mostly dry on Wednesday with rain in the northwest later. Rather cloudy on Thursday with light rain spreading south. Cloudy for some on Friday. Winds easing as temperatures recover later.