As the Christmas getaway begins, a severe weather alert has been issued with powerful winds set to shake the UK this weekend.
The Met Office has put out a stern warning for Brits to brace themselves for ‘disruptive weather’ poised to sweep through the country. With gusts reaching up to 85mph, people are advised to prepare for major disruptions, especially as travel networks are already buzzing with holiday travelers.
This period of tumultuous weather coincides with the surge of Christmas travelers looking to reach their holiday destinations. An area of low pressure will bring rain and intense winds starting Saturday. The Yellow warnings cover Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales, and north-west England from 7am to midnight on Saturday. If that isn’t enough, a second warning stretches from midnight to 9pm on Sunday, extending to Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and western England.
Rebekah Hicks, the deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, has cautioned about how this stormy weather could cause significant disruptions on the road, potentially resulting in ferry cancellations as well. ‘Dangerous coastal conditions’ are looming, adding large waves to the mix, which could add another layer of chaos to travel and transit systems. Transport Scotland is already on high alert, expecting impacts across road, rail, air, and ferry services.
Meanwhile, road travel agencies have issued a heads-up for what could be a ‘pre-Christmas panic’ on the roads with traffic anticipated to hit record levels. The RAC and Inrix, a transport analytics company, have pinpointed peak traffic times to be between 1pm and 7pm on both Friday and Saturday, warning drivers to steer clear of major routes during this period to avoid the gridlock.
As for what lies beyond the storm, the Met Office predicts the weather will start to calm down at the beginning of next week. Winds are expected to lose their sting, although rain or drizzle will still find its way east across the UK by Monday night. Christmas Eve promises mild, breezy conditions, with a dash of rain here and there in the west, offering the east a chance for some sunshine. Although a traditional white Christmas seems unlikely, with the northern regions possibly seeing rain and strong winds.
With strong winds and rain on the horizon, travelers are urged to stay vigilant as they head out for the holidays. By planning ahead and staying informed, the disruptions can hopefully be minimized during this festive season.
