Storm Noa brings travel disruption as parts of M4 closed due to high winds

Traffic Wales reporting that the M4 was closed between Junction 37 for Pyle and Junction 38 for Margam along the Kenfig viaduct due to high winds earlier this morning.

The motorway was also closed between Junction 41 for Baglan and Junction 42 at Earlswood along the Briton Ferry bridge.

Traffic was diverted along the A48 in both closures.

While both stretches of the motorway have since reopened, traffic remains heavy and driving conditions difficult.

A large Atlantic low pressure system, named Storm Noa by the French meteorological service, is bringing strong winds, low temperatures and heavy rain or showers to many places.

The Met Office have issued Yellow wind National Severe Weather Warnings highlighting the potential for impacts such as travel disruption and the possibility of large waves in coastal areas in South Wales and Southern England. 

Météo-France has named this low pressure system Storm Noa as it will bring strong winds across northern France.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: “Most places will see showers or longer spells of rain today but the impacts are most likely to come from strong winds. Gusts of 50-60 mph are possible quite widely in the southwest, with up to 75 mph in exposed coastal areas.”

“Some disruption due to strong winds is expected in southern areas, particularly the south coast of Wales and southwest England. It will be a cool day with temperatures of 7 to 10 C in the west, with 11 to 13 C possible in the southeast, however it will feel colder in the strong winds.”

The Met Office is reporting that it will stay unsettled through the rest of the week, with sunshine and heavy showers for many tomorrow with persistent rain in the south on Friday, before it becomes drier and brighter as we head through the weekend and more especially next week with temperatures starting to rise.

(Lead image: Traffic Wales)