The Met Office has issued a significant yellow weather warning for Christmas Day, putting 26 areas across the UK on alert for potential disruption caused by strong winds. The alert is in force for a 20-hour period from 4am on 25 December until 11.59pm.
What the Christmas Day weather warning means
Forecasters warn that east to northeasterly winds will become particularly strong and gusty throughout the day. The public should brace for peak gusts of 45-55 mph widely, increasing to 55-65 mph along some exposed coasts and to the west of prominent hills.
The Met Office has highlighted that the unusual wind direction could be a key factor. "Given the more unusual wind direction, this may lead to some disruption to transport and power supplies," a spokesperson explained. "Large waves will be an additional hazard on some coasts." This statement directly raises the possibility of localised power cuts, often referred to as 'blackouts', impacting festive plans.
Full list of areas under the yellow wind alert
The warning covers a broad swathe of South West England and the entirety of Wales. Residents in the following counties and unitary authorities should stay updated on the forecast:
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
Potential impacts and advice for residents
The combination of high winds and the holiday period increases the risk of travel delays on roads, bridges, and possibly for ferry services. Rail and air travel may also see last-minute alterations. The explicit mention of power supply disruption means households are advised to prepare for potential loss of electricity, which could affect Christmas celebrations.
Residents, especially those in coastal communities, are also urged to be cautious of large waves. It is recommended to secure loose outdoor items and follow updates from the Met Office and local authorities throughout Christmas Day.
