Easter warning for drivers over bank holiday after snowfall in Devon and Wales

Drivers in parts of the country have been warned to take “extra caution” as snow falls ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Snow fell overnight in Devon and Wales, with the weather set to be cold and drizzle over the next few days.

According to the RAC, 14 million people will be traveling on the roads this weekend, with some popular routes taking twice as long as usual.

Devon County Council issued a warning to motorists, adding: “Our gangs have been working throughout the night to keep roads clear, but please take extra care when driving, avoid high roads and stick to main roads where possible .”

A yellow wind warning is also currently in place for Devon and parts of southern England.

On Wednesday evening, Inspector Dave Thubron of Devon and Cornwall Police said the heavy snowfall was causing “tough travel conditions at high altitudes”.

Snow fell in areas including Plymouth, Ivybridge and Dartmoor in Devon.

Meanwhile, in Wales, pictures showed snow on the ground in parts of Swansea, Gwynedd and parts of the A465.

The Met Office is forecasting more snow and heavy rain in Wales on Thursday.

“Heavy rain and possibly some snow in the northeast are slowly dissipating, otherwise there will be brief spells of sunshine,” it read. “There will be more showers in the south, with thunder, lightning and hail in some areas.”

Motorists across the country are expected to face travel chaos this weekend as many people begin their Easter holidays.

A spokesman for the RAC said: “With Easter coming earlier than usual at the start of the school holidays, this could spell disaster for holidaymakers.”

M25 journeys between the M23 to Gatwick and the M1 in Hertfordshire are expected to take more than two hours, while congestion is also expected on the M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton.

Meanwhile, rail passengers are also likely to face significant disruption, with Network Rail urging people to check journey details before traveling.

London Euston University will be largely closed between Good Friday and Easter Monday due to engineering works between London and Milton Keynes.

Forecasters warned that heavy rain and strong winds could cause such travel chaos.

Hopes for a dry and sunny Easter bank holiday have been dashed, with forecasters warning of rain across the country from Friday to Monday.

Showers are expected on Good Friday and will continue on Saturday and Easter Sunday, according to forecasters.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Helen Cowie said: “Showers will continue into the weekend, particularly in the south and west.

“However, we are likely to see conditions improve in most areas, with showers tending to become less frequent, particularly in the east and north, with better chances of longer periods of sunshine.

“The winds will also lighten up and temperatures should start to rise, feeling warm in any sunshine.

“Wider instability is likely to resurface on Easter Monday.”