'Danger to life' warning for very strong winds issued

10 December 2019, 08:01

Strong winds in coastal areas are expected
Strong winds in coastal areas are expected. Picture: PA
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for "very strong winds" across much of the North and Wales with the possibility of power cuts and travel delays.

Parts of Britain will be lashed by winds of up to 70mph hitting coastal areas on Tuesday, just a day after parts of the country were hit by Storm Atiyah.

The strongest gusts will hit coastal areas, with 50mph winds predicted inland.

Weather forecasters have said "very strong winds" could cause travel chaos and leave homes without power, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport likely.

Some bus and train services are also set to be affected, with some journeys taking longer, made worse by spray and surface water, as well as delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely.

The areas covered by the weather warning
The areas covered by the weather warning. Picture: Met Office

The weather is expected to be so severe forecasters have warned any "loose items" are in danger of becoming projectiles with authorities even warning Christmas decorations could become dangerous projectiles.

Sophie Yeomans, a Met Office meteorologist said: "Christmas markets with loose items, loose structures, it's one of those to check is everything secure - your Christmas lights, inflatable Santas."

The Met Office has said: “gusts of 50mph likely inland and 60 to 70mph around the coast, especially around north Norfolk.

“The very strong winds will be accompanied by heavy and often squally showers of rain and possibly hail. Large coastal waves are also expected.”

This warning is for the East of England, North East England and Yorkshire and Humber.