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© PAForecasters warned of a “dramatic change” from today

Forecasters warned of a "dramatic change" from today as warm conditions make way for a Polar blast.

They said fierce winds at sea will whip up huge waves triggering potentially disruptive flooding in coastal regions.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for winds in the East today and warned of 100mph gusts in the Scottish Mountains.

The Environment Agency warned people not to walk along coastal paths and avoid driving on sea roads at risk of flooding.

It warned 5ft waves along the east coast will send waves crashing over seafront promenades and flooding local roads.

The mercury is expected to plunge today bringing temperatures "dramatically" lower than enjoyed over the past week.

The Met Office warned parts of Scotland will shiver in overnight lows of -3C (27F) while thermometers in the South will struggle to rise out of single figures.

Spokesman Laura Young said: "On Thursday the risk is of strong winds and waves, which could cause disruption in eastern coastal regions.

"There is also the risk of hail and some potentially heavy rainfall mainly in the East and South-east, people should be aware of coastal disruption.

"Over the next couple of days it is going to feel much colder and there is the risk of localised gales.

"Over the high ground in the hills there will be some wintry showers and a dusting of snow."

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© PAThe Met Office issued a severe weather warning for winds in the East

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Strong winds and large waves could cause minor disruption along the North Sea coast on Thursday.

"Spray and waves may overtop sea walls and people are urged to stay safe and avoid coastal paths and promenades.

"The high winds and localised flooding on roads could make driving conditions difficult in coastal areas."

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said overnight temperatures will widely nudge close to freezing.

He said: "Temperatures are going to plunge on Thursday.

"A dramatic change in weather conditions will see winds come in from the Arctic region which will make it fee very cold over up to the weekend.

"These will bring the risk of frost and possibly snow over high ground. Eastern coastal regions are at risk of a battering from the wind on Thursday.

"There is a risk of localised flooding due to waves breaching sea walls, it is a very unseasonable mix of wind, rain and cold weather."

Leon Brown, forecaster for The Weather Channel, said today will feel much colder than has been for the past couple of weeks.

He warned of a "bleak outlook" as bitter winds sweep across the country with the cold weather expected last into next week.