A severe weather warning has been issued for the whole of Wales early on Sunday, prompting residents to brace themselves for wet and windy conditions. The Met Office has highlighted the possibility of disruptive weather as the UK gears up for Christmas travel. This warning comes shortly after Storm Darragh wreaked havoc across the country, with gusts reaching 94mph in parts of Wales. The aftermath of the storm left thousands without power for several days, making it the most significant storm in Wales in decades.
As a deep area of low pressure moves across the UK, Wales is expected to experience heavy rainfall and potentially disruptive strong winds. The warning for early Sunday covers the entire country, while a similar alert is in place for Saturday for Anglesey and north Wales coast. The Met Office forecasts that the effects of this weather system could lead to delays in public transport and disruptions on the road network, particularly impacting pre-Christmas travel plans.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders, advised that the strongest winds are anticipated across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with coastal districts possibly experiencing gusts exceeding 80 mph. Coastal conditions are expected to be hazardous, with large waves posing additional risks, especially around causeways. Additionally, blustery showers are predicted to merge into longer periods of rain in the far north and northwest, with a possibility of wintry showers in certain areas.
On Sunday, the gales are expected to peak, with the second Met Office warning covering a broader area from midnight to 9pm. Wind speeds of 50-70mph could lead to disruptions, with coastal regions experiencing higher speeds. Despite the lower temperatures, the westerly winds are likely to make conditions feel particularly bitter. The Met Office has released wind weather maps outlining the expected conditions in Wales over the weekend, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Following the devastation caused by Storm Darragh, Natural Resources Wales reported significant tree damage, with many forest paths obstructed by fallen debris. While efforts have been made to clear most forest access routes, some remain impassable, prompting NRW to caution against visiting public forests and reserves during the festive season. Furthermore, motorists are advised to avoid major routes during peak travel times, as strong gusts and heavy showers could make driving challenging.
As the festive season unfolds, the RAC and Inrix have highlighted Saturday, December 21, as a particularly busy period on the roads, with the M53 from Chester to Liverpool expected to experience high congestion. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, maintain safe driving distances, and be mindful of sudden gusts of wind. While the weather is projected to calm by Monday, the Met Office anticipates further rain moving eastwards on Monday night, with Christmas Eve expected to be mild and blustery.
Looking ahead to Christmas Day, settled and dry conditions are forecasted, with mild temperatures and minimal chances of snow across the UK. The Met Office advises the public to stay updated on weather alerts and road conditions, especially during the holiday period. Stay tuned for further updates and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season.