Met Office issues 10-hour UK warning to every driver hitting the road
Motorists could end up on the long road to home as strong winds and heavy rain threaten widespread chaos today as they drive home for Christmas.
The Met Office[1] is warning that storms may bring even more disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services today as a yellow weather warning is issued for the UK. This comes as thousands of people travel this weekend for the festive period and roads have already been hit by closures, strikes and delays.
Yellow weather warnings for rain and wind are expected to be in force until Christmas Day morning. They cover northern Scotland but also stretch into parts of the east and west of England and Wales. High winds are also due to hit the north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England today, reports Mirror.[2][3]
People in the affected areas are being told to expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country may see showers. Rain is expected to be widespread across the UK tomorrow.
Some of the busiest areas are likely to be around London’s Heathrow Airport, Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Avonmouth, near Bristol, the AA warned. A spokesman said: “AA advice is to plan your journey and be prepared for delays.” The RAC estimated there would be 13.5 million leisure journeys made by car over this weekend – up 20 per cent on the three days before Christmas Day last year.
Shops are also likely to be doing a good trade. A British Retail Consortium spokesman said: “Our expectation is that this weekend will be particularly busy on Britain’s high streets – possibly the busiest trading weekend of the year – with a strong focus on shopping for last-minute gifts.”
Over the weekend, motorists faced long waits at Dover for ferries to take them across the Channel. P&O Ferries apologised for the lengthy delays, telling customers: “We are working hard with the authorities involved to improve the situation and would like to assure you that you will be accommodated on the next available sailing once you get through.”
Below is the weather outlook for Yorkshire:
Today:
Windy, especially across the Pennines, but also elsewhere with strong gusts. Early cloud, with a few outbreaks of rain and drizzle, clearing south. Sunny spells and occasional showers follow during the afternoon. Very mild at first, but turning cooler. Maximum temperature 13C.
Tonight:
Clear spells, with winds easing through the evening. However, areas of cloud and occasional outbreaks of rain spreading east during the early hours. Briefly turning cooler, mainly across North Yorkshire. Minimum temperature 4C.
Monday:
Cloud continuing to thicken from the west through Christmas morning, outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. Some late afternoon brighter or sunny spells. Breezy, and rather mild. Maximum temperature 10C.
Get breaking news in Yorkshire straight to your phone
Get all the latest big and breaking Yorkshire news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here[5].
If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here[6].
References
- ^ Met Office (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Christmas (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Mirror. (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Met Office Christmas weather forecast for Huddersfield, Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford and York (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ by clicking here (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Read our privacy notice here (www.reachplc.com)