Weather warnings in place across UK as millions set off for Christmas getaway
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Rain and strong winds may cause delays in north and west of UK on Saturday, spreading to southern regions on Sunday. Weather warnings have come into force across much of the UK as millions of people set off for their Christmas getaway. Wet and windy weather this weekend could cause roads and public transport to be disrupted by strong gusts. The AA predicted that 22 million drivers would hit the road on Saturday.
Met Office yellow warnings for wind are in place from 7am on Saturday to 9pm on Sunday in the north-west and north-east of England, in Scotland and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland. Sunday’s warning also includes London, the south-east, the south-west, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and all of Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Met Office said: “The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80mph in coastal districts including Orkney. “Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations.
“Frequent blustery showers will also be a feature on Saturday and may merge into a longer spell of rain for a time in the far north and north-west.”. The RAC estimated that 7 million leisure trips would be made on major roads over the weekend, which excludes everyday traffic, and urged travellers to “be patient” on the roads. The RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “We are expecting things to build up through the course of the morning … There’s a core of about 11 o’clock this morning [Saturday] and between about four and six this afternoon, that’s the core time where we expect the traffic to be heavier.”.
