UNSETTLED weather has arrived in Suffolk with strong winds, hail and heavy rainfall hitting the county.

Naomi Gornall

UNSETTLED weather is set to take hold in Suffolk this weekend with strong winds and heavy rainfall expected.

It is thought gusts could reach up to 60mph on the coast this morning, and although this is expected to shift by noon, the week ahead remains unsettled as showers and sunny spells are on the cards.

Steady rainfall coupled with blustery winds will pose a risk of flooding in parts of the county and the advice is to batten down the hatches.

Weather expert Ken Blowers said to expect a “pretty grim weekend” with periods of heavy rain at times over the next couple of days due to a large depression across the British Isles, coming from the south west.

He said: “Gale force winds will continue for much of today, followed by further spells of heavy rain or blustery showers.”

A spokesman for Weatherquest added: “The winds will generally ease down during the afternoon and there will be sunny spells.

“Sunday will be a breezy day. The temperature will be about 13C but the winds will make it feel pretty chilly.

“Next week is unsettled generally. It is not uncommon to get winds of 50-60mph at this time of year.”

Today, a spokesman for Essex Police said most of the county had escaped major problems in the storms, although there had been some serious damage to property in the south-east around the Castle Point area.

A spokeswoman said: "We have had some trees down but we do not have any road closures at the moment.

"There have been a number of minor road traffic collisions.

"We would remind drivers to take extra care, especially when there is standing water on the road.

"One of the key things is to slow down."

In some areas of the UK, the gales could be as strong as 75mph, making motorways hazardous for drivers.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has warned people to allow longer gaps between cars in the rain, drive slower, and watch for large patches of rainwater on the road.

A spokesman said: “Not only are strong side winds and rain predicted, there will be the inevitable local flooding that follows from drains blocked by leaves. These conditions can challenge even experienced drivers.”