UPDATE: Severe weather warnings are now in effect, as heavy rain and strong winds threaten to disrupt travel across parts of the UK. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for high winds from Dorset to Cornwall and up to north Wales, starting at 10 PM today and lasting until 4 PM Tuesday.
Travelers should brace for significant disruptions. The warnings indicate potential delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges. Coastal areas may experience hazardous conditions, including spray and large waves that could impact seafronts. Additionally, power outages are a possibility as winds gusting up to 40 mph have already been reported across the south coast.
A second yellow warning for rain is set to take effect from 6 PM today until 6 PM Tuesday, affecting a broader region that extends eastward to Hampshire and Oxfordshire. This warning raises concerns about flooding, with potential impacts on homes and businesses, and some communities may face isolation due to rising water levels.
According to the Met Office, “Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.” In addition to the warnings for the south, another rain warning is in place for north-west England from midnight Tuesday to 3 PM, while a wind warning will affect north-west Scotland from 3 PM Tuesday until 10 AM Wednesday.
Earlier today, twelve flood warnings were issued across England, with emergency services responding to incidents related to the adverse weather. Firefighters in Seaford, East Sussex, were called out as gusts caused structural damage, including a garage roof detaching.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley stated, “While there is some uncertainty about the exact track and intensity of the area of low pressure, many parts of the UK will likely experience rain that, given the saturated ground, could lead to flooding and delays to road and rail travel. We are closely monitoring developments and may issue updates to the warnings as the situation evolves.”
As the weather system moves in, the forecast for the rest of December remains unsettled with further periods of low pressure expected. Meteorologists have indicated that it is too early for a precise Christmas forecast, adding to the uncertainty for holiday travel plans.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops, and prepare for challenging travel conditions in the coming hours and days.
