Storm-force winds to batter Britain this weekend with 80mph gusts ahead of Christmas getaway

London: This weekend, the UK is gearing up for some wild weather. Storm-force winds are on the way, and they could really mess with travel plans just before Christmas.

The Met Office is sounding the alarm, warning that gusts could hit 80mph as a low-pressure system sweeps across the north on Saturday. It’s going to be a bumpy ride for many.

They’ve issued yellow wind warnings for several areas, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, from early Saturday morning until midnight. Another warning kicks in on Sunday, covering the same regions.

Coastal areas in northern Scotland might see winds up to 85mph on Saturday evening, while the rest of the UK can expect gusts of 50-60mph on Sunday. Yikes!

But if you’re in London, you might catch a break. The forecast shows light rain and a moderate breeze, with temperatures reaching around 12C on Saturday afternoon.

As for the roads, the RAC and transport analytics firm Inrix are advising folks to steer clear of certain routes to avoid the holiday traffic chaos. Expect heavy congestion on the M3 and M25, among others.

Rebekah Hicks from the Met Office said this stormy weather is hitting just as many people are trying to get away for the holidays. She mentioned the potential for ferry cancellations and significant disruptions, especially in the north.

Christmas Eve looks to be mild but blustery, with some rain in the west and hopefully some sunny spells in the east. Fingers crossed!

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis added that the gusty winds and heavy showers will make driving tricky. He advised drivers to take it easy, keep a safe distance, and be cautious of sudden strong gusts.

He also reminded everyone to prepare for their journeys, especially if they’ll be crossing major bridges, and to pack an emergency kit in case of breakdowns. Better safe than sorry!