This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/24/weather-heavy-rain-roads-summer-getaway

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
'Road misery' predicted as heavy rain blights start of summer getaway 'Road misery' predicted as heavy rain blights start of UK summer getaway
(about 1 hour later)
Gales and torrential rain across south-east England have set summer holiday weekends off to a soggy start, with further weather warnings issued by the Met Office for unseasonable wind and rain.Gales and torrential rain across south-east England have set summer holiday weekends off to a soggy start, with further weather warnings issued by the Met Office for unseasonable wind and rain.
Western parts of East Anglia have been the worst affected by the bad weather, with rainfall potentially exceeding 70mm in places – a month’s worth of rain – and a risk of localised flooding.Western parts of East Anglia have been the worst affected by the bad weather, with rainfall potentially exceeding 70mm in places – a month’s worth of rain – and a risk of localised flooding.
Nick Prebble, a weather forecaster at MeteoGroup, said 24mm of rain had fallen in Dunkeswell, Devon, between 6am and noon.Nick Prebble, a weather forecaster at MeteoGroup, said 24mm of rain had fallen in Dunkeswell, Devon, between 6am and noon.
The north Norfolk coast, where many families may be enjoying a British staycation during the school holidays, has been experiencing particularly severe rain and 55mph winds.The north Norfolk coast, where many families may be enjoying a British staycation during the school holidays, has been experiencing particularly severe rain and 55mph winds.
Simon Williams, a spokesman for RAC, predicted “road misery” as more than two million drivers set off for summer breaks.Simon Williams, a spokesman for RAC, predicted “road misery” as more than two million drivers set off for summer breaks.
He said: “The combination of the remaining schools breaking up, the biggest flying day of the year and a typical British summer’s rainy day is a recipe for road misery as about two million cars bound for holiday take on normal commuter and business traffic.He said: “The combination of the remaining schools breaking up, the biggest flying day of the year and a typical British summer’s rainy day is a recipe for road misery as about two million cars bound for holiday take on normal commuter and business traffic.
“The heavy and persistent rain will make driving conditions challenging and there is a real risk that delays may lead to frustration behind the wheel. It is important all drivers, but particularly those desperate to get to their summer destinations, keep their cool so that their well-earned breaks don’t begin with an accident.”“The heavy and persistent rain will make driving conditions challenging and there is a real risk that delays may lead to frustration behind the wheel. It is important all drivers, but particularly those desperate to get to their summer destinations, keep their cool so that their well-earned breaks don’t begin with an accident.”
Poor conditions are set to continue through the night with rain and strong winds until Saturday morning, with the rest of the weekend improving for the south but more heavy showers forecast for the north-east and Scotland.Poor conditions are set to continue through the night with rain and strong winds until Saturday morning, with the rest of the weekend improving for the south but more heavy showers forecast for the north-east and Scotland.
Related: Parts of Britain brace for 'intense' rain and windRelated: Parts of Britain brace for 'intense' rain and wind
Leon Brown, a meteorologist at the Weather Channel, said Saturday morning could see gusts of more than 60mph over the southern North Sea as the area of low pressure deepens.Leon Brown, a meteorologist at the Weather Channel, said Saturday morning could see gusts of more than 60mph over the southern North Sea as the area of low pressure deepens.
Next week will see more low pressure over the UK, he said, with heavy downpours for Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland.Next week will see more low pressure over the UK, he said, with heavy downpours for Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland.
Brown said: “The weekend of 1 August currently looks better, with more sunshine, and warmer with temperatures in the low 20s, but more wet weather spreading from the west late Sunday to start the week [beginning 3 August].”Brown said: “The weekend of 1 August currently looks better, with more sunshine, and warmer with temperatures in the low 20s, but more wet weather spreading from the west late Sunday to start the week [beginning 3 August].”
Travel association Abta estimates that 2.1 million holidaymakers will fly to warmer climes this weekend, and the forecasts for the coming week could tempt more to make a last-minute getaway.Travel association Abta estimates that 2.1 million holidaymakers will fly to warmer climes this weekend, and the forecasts for the coming week could tempt more to make a last-minute getaway.
A spokesman said: “With rain predicted for many parts of the UK, late bookers may also be tempted to head off overseas with temperatures around the Mediterranean set to hit the mid to high-30s over the next few days, with guaranteed sunshine.”A spokesman said: “With rain predicted for many parts of the UK, late bookers may also be tempted to head off overseas with temperatures around the Mediterranean set to hit the mid to high-30s over the next few days, with guaranteed sunshine.”
A Heathrow spokeswoman said the airport had an extra 31,000 passengers departing on Friday in what was set to be its busiest day ever.A Heathrow spokeswoman said the airport had an extra 31,000 passengers departing on Friday in what was set to be its busiest day ever.