The Met Office has issued a significant alert, warning that 18 specific parts of the United Kingdom could be hit by power cuts lasting up to 12 hours on Tuesday. A yellow weather warning for strong, gusty winds is in force, raising the risk of widespread disruption to transport and essential services.
Full List of Areas at Risk of Power Cuts
The alert, active from 4am until 4pm on Tuesday, highlights a broad swathe of western and southern Britain. The areas identified by the Met Office as being at risk are:
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Isles of Scilly
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- Torbay
- Bridgend
- Carmarthenshire
- Ceredigion
- Conwy
- Gwynedd
- Isle of Anglesey
- Neath Port Talbot
- Pembrokeshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- Vale of Glamorgan
Expected Travel Disruption and Wind Speeds
The forecaster states that the strong south-easterly winds will develop through Tuesday morning, becoming particularly potent over and to the northwest of high ground. Gusts are expected to reach 45-50 mph in these areas.
Accompanying the wind will be a band of heavy rain, arriving at the Isles of Scilly before dawn and moving eastwards. Inland gusts could hit 45-55 mph, with the most exposed hills and coastal spots potentially experiencing winds of 60-65 mph.
The Met Office warns that delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport are likely. Bus and train services may be affected, leading to longer journey times. High-sided vehicles are especially advised to expect delays on exposed routes and bridges.
Broader Impacts and Further Outlook
Beyond the immediate travel disruption, the Met Office alert notes the potential for some short term loss of power and other services. Coastal communities, sea fronts, and routes are also likely to be affected by spray and large waves.
Looking beyond Tuesday, Netweather TV forecaster Nick Finnis indicated that the rest of the week remains unsettled and windy. Wednesday through Friday will see further spells of rain or showers, with the possibility of gales across the west by Friday as a deep low-pressure system arrives.
The first half of the weekend is expected to stay unsettled, with a chance of colder air being pulled in from the east or southeast, bringing a risk of wintry conditions over northern hills. There is a possibility of drier, more settled but colder weather by Sunday, with the following week potentially feeling much colder with easterly winds and a chance of snow showers.
