Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: South West England, Wales
Start time estimate: Thursday 4am
End time estimate: Thursday 11pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow wind warning for South West England and Wales for Thursday. All local areas affected are listed below.
Hazardous winds are set to sweep through the regions on Thursday at around 4am. The intense winds are expected to continue sweeping through the areas until 11pm.
The Yellow warning for wind was issued at 1:56pm on Wednesday, December 24.
A Met Office forecast said: “East to northeasterly winds will become particularly strong and gusty during Christmas Day, with peak gusts fairly widely of 45-55 mph, but 55-65 mph along some exposed coasts and to the west of prominent hills. Given the more unusual wind direction, this may lead to some disruption to transport and power supplies. Large waves will be an additional hazard on some coasts.”
What to expect
Some delays to public transport are possible; Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely; Some short term loss of power and other services is possible; It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.
What should you do during high winds?
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
Full list of local areas affected
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay
Wales
Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan
What is a yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for wind will remain in effect until 11pm on Thursday.