Strong winds set to batter UK with warnings issued

17 December 2019, 07:29

By EJ Ward

Forecasters are warning of 70mph winds in the west of the UK this week which have the potential to cause disruption to travel and cause power cuts.

The Met Office has issued a yellow 'danger to life' weather warning for Northern Ireland, Wales and western parts of Scotland and England throughout Wednesday night and into Thursday.

The warning says inland areas are "likely to see wind gusts peak between 45mph and 55mph" and exposed coastal areas topping out at 60mph-70mph.

Additionally, those areas hit by the winds could see coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities likely to be affected by spray and/or large waves.

With the warning of "short term loss of power and other services is possible."

Some Brits woke up to snow, fog or frost with snow falling on Monday night in Scotland and parts of northern England, with videos on social media showing coverings on the Yorkshire Moors.

South-west England could also see up to 2in (50mm) of rain fall between 2pm on Wednesday and 3am on Thursday.

Despite this week's warnings, Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said that the rough weather is expected to ease off by next week.

"Calmer weather is coming, with temperatures rising over the next couple of days in the build-up to Christmas," he said.

"Christmas Day will most likely be cold and dry with milder than average conditions expected."

If you are travelling over the Christmas period we have the LBC News Christmas travel guide - how to get around the country over the festive period.