The Met Office has issued a warning for the UK as gale-force winds with speeds of up to 80mph are set to hit the country over the weekend. The forecast includes potential power outages, structural damage, and a risk to life from airborne debris.
As heavy rain swept across Wales and parts of western and northern England, the Met Office extended its alerts for strong winds expected on Sunday and Monday. A yellow warning covers various parts of the UK from 3 am on Sunday until noon on Monday, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, North West England, and North West Wales expected to experience heightened disruptions.
Starting late on Saturday, strong south and south-easterly winds are predicted to persist into Sunday morning. Inland areas, especially in Northern Ireland and western Scotland, could face gusts of 50 to 60mph, while coastal and upland regions might experience gusts of up to 70mph. By Sunday afternoon and evening, winds are forecasted to shift to a south-westerly direction, intensifying over western Scotland with gusts potentially reaching up to 80mph in exposed areas.
The Met Office has warned of a “small chance” of injuries and life-threatening situations from flying debris or large waves along coastal areas. This weather system also brings the possibility of road and bridge closures, travel delays or cancellations.
According to Dan Holley, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, a low-pressure system combined with high spring tides could impact coastal areas through the weekend. As the weekend approaches, unsettled weather with sporadic rainfall is expected, leading to potentially widespread strong winds, especially in northern and western regions on Sunday.
Simultaneously, heavy rain in parts of Wales and west England led to an extended yellow warning until 9 pm on Wednesday. Some areas might receive 50 to 80mm of rainfall in just six hours. Another yellow warning is in effect for north-east and north-west England, and Yorkshire and Humber until midnight, with rainfall expected to reach 20mm in many areas, and up to 80mm in isolated thunderstorms in six hours.
The Met Office advises the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts as the situation develops further.