Storm Dave to deliver 90mph winds and snow over Easter as Met Office points climate warnings – whereas Brits make 22million journeys right this moment in bid to beat getaway rush

Storm Dave will bring damaging winds and snow to Britain this Easter weekend, forecasters said today – as millions of drivers embarked on getaway trips despite the soaring cost of fuel, while others faced rail shutdowns and delays at EU airports.

The AA estimated that 21.7million road journeys across the UK have been planned for today, making it busier than any day of the four-day bank holiday weekend.

Motorists face the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022, the RAC said, despite diesel prices soaring 29 per cent and petrol up 16 per cent since the Iran war began.

Thousands of train journeys will also be impacted as Network Rail carries out more than 270 upgrade projects, including a six-day West Coast Main Line shutdown.

The Met Office has warned of possible travel disruption as northern England and Scotland are set to be hit with winds gusting at up to 90mph and even some snow.

Some 12.5million Brits are planning a UK holiday trip for this weekend, while two million people from the UK will travel abroad between tomorrow and Easter Monday.

Weather – Storm Dave to bring 90mph gusts and snow

Storm Dave has been named is forecast to bring damaging winds across northern parts of the UK on Saturday and into Easter Day with snow possible in Scotland.

The northern half of the country is set to be hit with gale-force winds over the Easter weekend, with forecasters warning of possible travel disruption and power cuts.

The Met Office has issued a series of yellow weather warnings for very strong winds in Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of north Wales and northern England.

The storm will officially begin at 2pm on Saturday when the first of several warnings is activated, before ending at 3pm on Easter Sunday when the last warning finishes.

Forecasters said gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected ‘fairly widely’, possibly rising to 60 to 70mph in exposed locations and as high as 80 to 90mph in western Scotland.

Separately, forecasters issued a snow warning for north-west Scotland running from 5pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday where up to 8in (20cm) could accumulate.

Brits have been warned to expect delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport, with potential cancellations for some services. Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely, while some roads and bridges could close.

There is a risk of power cuts and disruption to other services such as mobile phone coverage, as well as a risk of damage to buildings, such as tiles being blown from roofs.

Forecasters have also warned of a ‘small chance’ of injuries as a result of large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: ‘A significant cold plunge from Canada into the North Atlantic will impact our weekend weather, strengthening the jet stream and spinning up a deep area of low pressure towards the north-west of the UK on Saturday night.

‘This will lead to a spell of very strong winds later on Saturday and overnight into the morning of Easter Sunday.

‘We have issued yellow warnings for wind for Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern parts of both England and Wales for Saturday night and into Sunday, when a spell of very strong winds could cause disruption.

‘Winds should gradually ease through Easter Sunday as the area of low pressure clears to the North Sea.

He added: ‘Due to the warnings this weekend, we recommend keeping an eye on our latest forecasts and as the week progresses.’

Tom Morgan, Met Office operational meteorologist, said that while much of the UK will see ‘unsettled’ weather by the end of the week, it does not necessarily point to a ‘washout’ over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

‘There’s actually going to be quite a lot of dry weather, particularly across England and Wales, but it will be turning windier for all,’ he said.

‘We already have a yellow warning for wind in place. We could see some particularly damaging winds in parts of Scotland, so, it is here where we are most likely to need to escalate the warnings.

‘It is here where we could also see some disruption to ferry services, transport, bridge closures, that kind of thing, and potentially some power, power lines coming down as well.

‘So, potentially for some parts of the UK are very stormy parts of the weekend, but as I say, it’s not going to be quite so bad for the south.

‘For most, Easter Monday is looking pretty fine. Dry and bright.’

Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “Millions of people are expected to be on the move over the holiday period, so we’re urging drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time, and be prepared for delays.

‘In wet and windy conditions, it’s vital to slow down, increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front, and keep both hands firmly on the wheel.

‘Heavy rain can greatly reduce visibility and increase stopping distances, while strong crosswinds can make handling more difficult, especially for high‑sided.’

And RNLI water safety manager Ross Macleod said: ‘With many people likely to be heading to the beach over the Easter weekend, the RNLI’s advice is to choose a lifeguarded beach and stay between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.

‘If you’re not close to a lifeguarded beach, make sure you find out about your chosen beach before you visit, check the weather and tide times and read local safety signage. Our seas are at their coldest at this time of year, so cold water shock is a risk. Take your time to acclimatise slowly, and wear a wetsuit if possible.

‘If you find yourself in difficulty, Float to Live – tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and control your breathing, and float on your back until you can swim to safety or call for help.

‘Don’t worry if your legs sink, everyone floats differently. If you see someone else in danger, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the person to float, and throw them something buoyant to help them float until assistance arrives.’

UK roads – Millions of trips despite fuel price hike

The AA: Some 21.7 million journeys across the UK have been planned for today, according to the AA and traffic data analysts at Inrix.

This is based on a survey of more than 13,000 AA members conducted from March 13 to 19, before the conflict in the Middle East began.

Today is set to be the busiest day overall as drivers get a head start on the long weekend.

Easter Saturday is expected to be the busiest day of the bank holiday weekend itself, with almost 20.3million drivers taking to the roads.

Good Friday will see around 19.6million journeys, roughly half a million more than last year.

Journey numbers remain high across the weekend, with Easter Sunday and Easter Monday both seeing around 18.9million trips.

Most drivers are planning to keep their Easter journeys relatively short, according to the AA.

Just over half (53 per cent) expect to travel under 50 miles, with 5 per cent planning trips of between 50 and 100 miles.

About 1 per cent expect to travel between 100 and 200 miles, with fewer than 1 per cent planning to clock up more than 200 miles.

Visiting family and friends is the most common Easter road journey purpose, with work and shopping trips also featuring prominently.

Expected congestion hotspots include:

• The M6 through Birmingham and further north towards Blackpool;
• The M25 between the M23 and M40;
• The M5 in the Bristol area and further into the South West;
• The A303 in Wiltshire;
• The M4 in South Wales.

Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: ‘After what feels like a very long, wet winter, lots of families are looking forward to the Easter break.

‘With more than 20 million journeys expected on the busiest days, and over 21 million drivers on the roads on Thursday alone, it’s shaping up to be one of the busiest Easters on the roads in recent years.’

Drivers in the Midlands should be aware that the A38 will be closed between Swinfen Interchange and Hilliard’s Cross from 27 March to 7 April for HS2 works.

This includes removal of the temporary carriageway and completion of the final road layout, with the northbound slip road at Streethay then remaining closed for a further 12 months.

In London, Transport for London has closed the A40 Westway between the Westway roundabout and Marylebone flyover. The closure will remain in place over the Easter break until late April for essential maintenance.

RAC: Motoring services company the RAC has predicted it will be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022 – the first full getaway after the Covid lockdowns.

Data from the organisation suggests traffic will be at its busiest on Good Friday with drivers planning around 3.3million leisure trips. 

It said more than 2.3million leisure trips are planned today, while drivers are expected to make 3million journeys on Saturday.

The number of trips planned drops slightly on Easter Sunday to 2.3million, before increasing again to a further 3million on Easter Monday as travellers return home.

A further 6.7million journeys are anticipated at some point over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with drivers undecided on their exact date of travel.

Oil prices – which have a significant effect on the cost of wholesale fuel – have soared in response to Iran’s stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The RAC said the average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts yesterday was 184.2p, up 29 per cent since the war started on February 28.

Average petrol prices have reached 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16 per cent over the same period.

Separate research by the RAC shows that while 31 per cent of drivers are increasingly worried about rising fuel costs, most are not changing their plans.

Only 6 per cent expect to drive shorter distances and another 6 per cent say they won’t drive at all, as a direct result of the higher prices.

This is despite the fact that filling up a typical diesel family car this Easter will cost at least £19 more than it did on Good Friday in 2025, and a tank of petrol nearly £8 more.

The RAC said some of the worst delays of more than 40 minutes today are expected on the M25 clockwise between J15 and J19 around 2.45pm, and on the M4 westbound across the Prince of Wales Bridge towards Bridgend with delays of an hour and a quarter in the evening.

The anticlockwise stretch from J17 to J12 will also see similar delays closer around 4pm, close to the evening rush-hour.

On Good Friday, many major roads are expected to be busy throughout the day from 10am to 7pm.

The M5 southbound between J15 north of Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater – a key holiday route – could see journey times extended by more than 50 minutes at lunchtime.

The M25 anticlockwise between J17 and J12 may see delays of 30 minutes mid-morning, nearly trebling normal journey times.

On Saturday, drivers are advised to avoid 10am to midday when traffic will be at its busiest.

The M40 northbound from J12 to the Umberslade interchange with the M42 will see delays of around 48 minutes at 11am, with journey times almost four times longer than usual.

The roads are expected to be busy for most of Easter Monday as families return from their Easter trips.

Delays of 65 minutes are expected at midday in the South West on the M5 northbound between J25 for Taunton and J15.

Elsewhere, the M25 clockwise between J15 to J19 will be hit with queues at 5.30pm, with journeys taking over 38 minutes longer than usual, double usual travel times.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: ‘The Easter bank holiday getaway is traditionally one of the biggest of the year, and 2026 looks no different.

‘In fact, the number of planned leisure journeys by car has risen for the second year running and as a result we expect this to be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022, when the country opened up after the Covid lockdown.

‘Despite fuel prices rising dramatically due to the conflict in the Middle East, our research suggests Easter remains incredibly important to people as it’s often the first chance to get away since Christmas or to meet up with friends and family.’

National Highways said it will lift 1,500 miles of roadworks from its network of motorways and major A roads in England between today and Easter Monday to ease journeys.

The organisation said this will keep 98 per cent of routes clear and help ease congestion for drivers, freight and local businesses.

Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said: ‘Millions of people will be hitting the roads over Easter, and we want everyone to have a safe and smooth journey.

‘A few simple checks can help to prevent many of the breakdowns we see each year and help drivers avoid unexpected delays, cost and stress.’

Driving to Europe: Refuel before you leave Britain

Drivers embarking on Easter trips to continental Europe are advised to save money by refuelling before they leave the UK.

Analysis of the latest European Commission data by motoring research charity the RAC Foundation found the average price of a litre of petrol in France on March 23 was £1.71, some 25p more than in the UK (£1.46 per litre).

A number of other European countries also had significantly higher prices than the UK, such as the Netherlands (203p per litre), Germany (180p per litre) and Belgium (£156p per litre),

The figures show diesel prices were also higher on the continent, with forecourts in France (183p per litre) and the Netherlands (214p per litre) charging 13p and 44p per litre respectively more than those in the UK (170p per litre).

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: ‘For those driving on the continent this Easter it is a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire.

‘If pump prices are high here – and indeed they are – then in many parts of Europe they have gone through the roof, including in France.

‘It might seem counterintuitive, but filling up at Dover rather than in Calais could be the wise option.’

National Highways’ traffic contraflow system, ‘Operation Brock’, will be in place throughout the Easter weekend until next Tuesday, with lorries travelling to the Port of Dover being directed to a specific lane at Junction 8 of the M20.

Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said: ‘The port is preparing for a busy Easter getaway period.

‘Between Thursday 2nd and Sunday 19th April, we will welcome in the region of 37,000 cars through the port.

‘To help ensure a smooth departure, we kindly ask all customers travelling with our ferry partners not to arrive any earlier than two hours before their scheduled sailing, just as you would if departing from a UK airport.

‘We appreciate everyone’s patience, should there be any additional waiting time due to the increase in traffic levels.’

Rail: Six-day shutdown of Britain’s biggest intercity line

Rail passengers face travel chaos during the Easter holidays amid a six-day shutdown on Britain’s biggest intercity line and sections of Tube lines suspended.

Families travelling with luggage to see relatives will be forced to take replacement buses in some areas as millions of people make journeys over the four-day weekend.

No West Coast Main Line services will run between London Euston and Milton Keynes from Good Friday to Wednesday, April 8 due to engineering works.

Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway said services will start and end at Milton Keynes with buses to Bedford for onwards trains to London St Pancras.

The closure by Network Rail forms part of a wider £400million project to improve reliability of the West Coast Main Line, which is Europe’s busiest mixed-use railway.

A series of works will be carried out such as £8.4milion of new track to be laid at Willesden in North West London – including the renewal of switches and crossings, which are moveable sections of track that guide trains from one track to another.

A further £8million will be spent on new overhead power equipment around the Wembley area; while £6.6million will go towards waterproofing a bridge in Ledburn near Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire to prevent future damage to the structure.

Engineers will carry out a £7million signalling upgrade nearby, while £5.8million will be spent on Harrow and Wealdstone to repair station canopies and improve platforms.

An additional £2million of works will be carried out in Bushey in Hertfordshire in a project to upgrade the power supply that keeps trains moving in and out of London.

These works will also impact Bakerloo line and Overground trains, which will not run between Euston, Harrow and Wealdstone and Watford Junction on Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Further up the West Coast Main Line, trains between Preston and Lancaster will also be suspended between the Saturday and Sunday.

The suspension to install new signals and power supply equipment mean Avanti West Coast will operate a special Preston to Carlisle service via the Settle and Carlisle line.

TransPennine Express and Northern services will terminate at Preston, Oxenholme or Grange-over-Sands.

Anglo Scottish passengers will also be impacted, with those travelling from Carlisle to Glasgow Central or Edinburgh warned to expect disruption.

New track and points being installed in south Glasgow mean services will be diverted via Dumfries and Kilmarnock over all four days of the Easter weekend.

Buses will replace trains on the Carstairs route between Glasgow and Edinburgh between the Saturday and Monday.

Jake Kelly, Network Rail regional director for North West and Central, said: ‘We know how important Bank Holidays are – particularly at Easter, when families and friends come together – and that’s why we work hard to keep as much of the network open as possible while carrying out these vital upgrades.

‘However, Bank Holidays are also among the least busy times on the railway, and the four-day period at Easter gives us a valuable opportunity to complete projects that simply can’t be delivered during a normal weekend.

‘This ensures we maximise the time our teams are out working on the tracks. So passengers will see some changes and it’s a good idea for people to check before they travel.’

Network Rail also shut parts of the West Coast Main Line for four days over the Easter break last year.

Chris Liptrot, operations director at Avanti West Coast, said: ‘While Network Rail carry out this essential work, we’ll be operating an amended timetable with journeys to and from London Euston involving changes or rail replacement buses.

‘We strongly advise customers making journeys to or from London Euston between 3 and 8 April to plan ahead and check the National Rail website before travelling.’

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, added: ‘I would like to thank our customers for their patience while Network Rail carries out these essential upgrades to the railway over the Easter period.

‘During this time it is important for passengers to plan their journeys carefully as rail replacement transport will be in operation and travel times will be extended.’

Engineers will be involved in more than 270 other upgrade projects across the network over the Easter period.

Some of these will impact trains between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction.

New switches and crossings – moveable sections of track that guide trains from one track to another – and structural repairs will mean reduced services on this section.

Further down the line, track improvements in Hampshire mean buses will replace trains between Winchester and Southampton over all four days of the long weekend.

In Kent, the installation of new tracks through Margate station will mean buses replace trains between Herne Bay and Ramsgate via Broadstairs for the four days.

Transport for London will also be closing parts of the Underground network, with no Hammersmith and City line trains for the entire four-day weekend.

There will also be closures on the District line between Whitechapel and Upminster; and Earl’s Court to Kensington (Olympia); and on the Docklands Light Railway between Bank and Tower Gateway, and Poplar to West India Quay.

The Bakerloo line will have no service from Stonebridge Park to Harrow and Wealdstone on April 3 and 6, and no trains from Queen’s Park to Harrow and Wealdstone on April 4 and 5.

On the Overground, the Lioness line will have no service from Euston to Willesden Junction on April 4 and 5; and the Mildmay line will be suspended between Willesden Junction and Richmond on April 5.

The Elizabeth line will have a reduced service on April 5 between Paddington and Maidenhead and at Heathrow Terminal Four, with no trains at Acton Main Line, Hanwell and West Ealing.

Airports – Two million travellers amid EU delay fears

Travel trade organisation Abta estimated that two million people from the UK will travel abroad between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

UK holidaymakers jetting off to the European Union are being warned to expect two-hour delays on arrival as countries are ramping up the deployment of a new border system.

The EU’s Entry Exit System involves people from third-party countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU.

Trade body Airports Council International said the latest data collected from airports across Europe shows a ‘continued deterioration in waiting times at border crossing points’.

Delays are ‘regularly reaching up to two hours at peak traffic times, with some airports reporting even longer queues’, it added.

EasyJet said it is preparing for its busiest Easter getaway, with up to 16,000 flights from UK airports during the two-week school break.

UK holidays: Industry prepares for £4.8billion boost

Some 12.5million Brits are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK for the Easter weekend, bringing an estimated £4.8billion boost to the economy, according to VisitEngland.

The tourism body said this was more than the 7.4million Brits who are planning a trip abroad this Easter.

The figures are up on last year’s research when 10.6million Brits had definitely planned an overnight holiday trip in the UK for the long weekend. In 2024, the figure was 11million and in 2023 it was 6.5million.

A further 5.1 million people surveyed last week were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Easter weekend.

Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock said: ‘It is wonderful that so many people are planning on having a staycation this Easter weekend, whether that’s spending time visiting our stunning landscapes and coastlines or exploring our vibrant towns, cities and cultural landmarks.

‘Supporting domestic tourism helps local areas thrive – fuelling small businesses, boosting pride, and strengthening community economies.

‘Spring is a fantastic time for more people to get out and discover the variety of incredible places on our doorsteps.’

VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said: ‘Tourism businesses and destinations will be looking to the critical Easter weekend for much needed cash flow so it’s encouraging to see so many of us are planning a holiday at home, with its ease, convenience and certainty of budgeting.

‘We also know that the cost of living remains a concern for holidaymakers, leaving it difficult too for businesses to plan in advance.

‘We have incredible activities, experiences and places to stay for all tastes and budgets, and there really is nowhere quite like Britain in springtime.

‘From walks in our beautiful countryside with the promise of a pub lunch or discovering contemporary culture in our buzzing cities to enjoying fish and chips on the beach, there is something for everyone.’

VisitEngland also said 28 per cent of those surveyed expressed concern about the impact of the Middle East conflict on their upcoming travel plans in April and May.

The top concern was having less money to spend due to the economic impact followed by deciding to holiday at home instead of abroad.