Gales of more than 60mph on Tuesday and Wednesday could lead to difficult travel conditions and delays to public transport, the Met Office said as the UK prepares for the Christmas getaway
Huge winds measuring more than 60mph are set to batter huge swathes of the country today, as the Met Office issues an urgent warning.
Southwesterly winds continued to strengthen throughout last night as they developed across northern and western Wales. They are expected to cross into northwest England this morning, bringing potential travel nightmares for commuters. Communities in coastal areas are expected to take the brunt of the winds.
Starting at 45mph, they are feared to strengthen to as strong as 60mph in some places as the day goes on. The updated yellow warning from the Met Office features west Wales and northwest England and continues until 9am today.
The Met Office said: “Southwesterly winds will strengthen through the latter part of Tuesday night with gales developing across northern and western Wales, then across parts of northwest England during the morning travel period. Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected fairly widely but gusts of 65 mph are possible in a few places, particularly along the coast. Winds will ease through the rest of Wednesday morning.
“The warning has been cancelled for Northern Ireland and Scotland with the focus for strong winds across north and west Wales, as well as parts of northwest England during the morning travel period. The warning end time has been extended to 9am to cater for stronger winds affecting northwest England.”
People are advised to check road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables as delays are possible on most routes. People on the coast should be aware of the potential of large waves crashing on to land.
A separate yellow warning for wind is also in place a little further north, from the East Midlands to south west Scotland. This is in place until 2pm today. The Met Office says: “West to southwesterly winds will become particularly gusty over and to the east/northeast of hills late Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
“Gusts of 50-60 mph are possible in some areas, and potentially higher in more exposed places. This may cause difficult travelling conditions, especially on higher level and north-south routes.”
Areas affected by today’s yellow warning for wind (until 9am)
North West England
Wales
-
Carmarthenshire
-
Ceredigion
-
Conwy
-
Denbighshire
-
Flintshire
-
Gwynedd
-
Isle of Anglesey
-
Pembrokeshire
-
Powys
-
Wrexham
Areas affected by today’s yellow warning for wind (until 2pm)
East Midlands
North East England
-
Durham
-
Gateshead
-
Northumberland
North West England
-
Cumbria
-
Greater Manchester
-
Lancashire
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
-
Dumfries and Galloway
-
Scottish Borders
Yorkshire & Humber
-
North Yorkshire
-
South Yorkshire
-
West Yorkshire