Christmas travel warning issued as Storm Pia batters UK with 80mph winds
A weather warning has been issued by the Met Office which means potential travel disruption in the run-up to Christmas.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who nearly got swept away on the way to work this morning by Storm Pia, as winds of 70-80mph appear to be battering the northern half of the UK.
And if you're planning to travel home for Christmas today, be careful.
Advert
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning meaning that travel disruption is likely and power cuts are possible from midnight to 9pm on Thursday (21 December).
Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesperson, said: “It is quite a wide wind warning area. Gusts are forecast quite widely to be 45-55mph, possibly 65-70mph to the east of high ground in Scotland.
“The strongest winds are likely to be found in the north and north east of Scotland including the Northern Isles, with 70-80mph in the morning.”
The warning also covers Belfast, Newcastle upon Tyne and Manchester.
Train operator TransPennine Express (TPE) has asked customers to delay their journeys, whilst the Police Service of Northern Ireland has warned drivers to be aware of falling trees and debris.
A statement said: “Road users are advised of potential traffic disruption this morning, Thursday 21st December, caused by fallen trees and debris in some areas across Northern Ireland.
“Officers have been assisting with traffic control whilst local roads are being cleared of any obstructions, and we thank you for your patience as we continue to do so.”
Schools in Shetland will be closed on Thursday and more electricity network engineers are being brought in to deal with any power cuts.
Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience and operations director for TPE, said: “Our number one priority is to keep our customers and colleagues safe, and we will be doing all we can to keep people moving in difficult conditions.
“We are urging anyone travelling across the affected routes to plan ahead, allow extra time, check their journey up until the last minute, and follow the guidance provided.”
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, explained: "We’ve issued a large yellow warning area where there’s a potential for some impacts, but gusts of 50-60mph are possible for large parts of central and northern areas of the UK.
“Exposed coasts and high ground could see gusts of 70-80mph at times, mainly across the far north of Scotland. There’s a chance this low pressure will continue to exert its influence into Friday, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest Met Office forecast.
“This system has been named Storm Pia by the Danish Met Service, with the system likely to have more severe impacts in Denmark.”
Anish Vij