Strong winds batter UK - Home News - UK - The Independent Winds of up to 65mph battered British coastlines during the night resulting in trees blown down in what was "fairly unusual" weather for May. The southern coast was hit hardest with Devon and Cornwall Police reporting slates coming off roofs and trees blocking roads. As rain lashed across much of the country, a deep low pressure system brought gusty winds - but it is expected to ease off as the morning progresses. Paul Mott, a forecaster at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "We've certainly seen some strong winds, gusty winds, overnight, of 50-55mph, over much of the English Channel coast. Inspector Tom Cunningham from Devon and Cornwall Police said "a number of trees" came down during the night, as well as slates coming off roofs and trees blocking roads. He also reported BT lines down. Mr Mott said the winds will ease through the rest of the day, but the heavy rain will persist in some areas "particularly over northern England." "It will be pretty wet on the roads," he said. Conditions will improve though with the weather expected to get drier and brighter as the day goes on.