Two million British holidaymakers to jet off abroad over Easter weekend – but Storm Nelson sparks getaway chaos as 80mph winds cancel ferry services and force planes to abort landings [Video]

18:01 EDT 28 Mar 2024 , updated 18:38 EDT 28 Mar 2024

Two million British holidaymakers are set to jet off over the Easter weekend, with their getaways being threatened by Storm Nelson which has already seen torrential rain deluge roads, trains delayed by high winds and planes aborting landings.

Manchester airport has said it is bracing for ‘record-breaking’ passenger numbers, with many hoping to head to Turkey, Dubai and the Canary Islands as the UK is set to be lashed by wet and windy weather.

Ferries were cancelled today as the UK endured 80mph gusts, snow, hail and thunder while parks, zoos and gardens had to close with the south of England particularly badly hit.

The Met Office extended a 17-hour wind warning to cover the whole of the south coast from Cornwall to Kent and up to Suffolk with strong gusts until midnight.

Also today, the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation warned there was a ‘low end chance’ of one …