The Met Office predicts very strong gusts, particularly along coasts and higher ground, as a deep low-pressure system sweeps across the UK.
Gusts of 65-75 mph are expected in southern and western coastal areas, while speeds of 50-60 mph are likely more widely inland.
The warning is in effect from 9am on Wednesday, January 1, until 6am on Thursday, January 2.
The strong winds may cause a variety of issues, including:
- Travel delays or cancellations: Road, rail, air, and ferry services may be affected, so journeys could take longer or be cancelled.
- Damage to buildings: There’s a slight chance that roof tiles or other structures could be damaged by high winds.
- Power cuts: Disruption to electricity supplies could also impact mobile phone coverage.
- Coastal hazards: Large waves and beach debris may pose a danger to life and property along sea fronts and coastal roads.
- Flying debris: There is a small chance of injuries or danger to life from objects being carried by the wind.
- Bridge and road closures: Some routes could be shut due to safety concerns.
Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, and trampolines to prevent them from becoming hazardous.
If travelling, check road conditions and transport schedules in advance and consider alternative plans to avoid delays.
Households should prepare for possible power cuts by gathering essential items like torches, batteries, and mobile phone chargers.
The yellow warning is part of a broader unsettled weather pattern affecting much of the UK.
Heavy snow, rain, and strong winds are forecast to disrupt travel during the New Year period.
Scotland will experience the harshest conditions, with rain, snow, and winds reaching up to 60 mph in northern England and Northern Ireland.
Southern England and Wales may see slightly milder conditions on New Year’s Eve, with temperatures reaching 10-12°C and occasional glimpses of sunshine, though rain could dampen outdoor festivities later in the evening.
Travelers should allow extra time for journeys and remain alert to flood warnings. With multiple weather hazards in play, delays are expected across much of the UK.
Stay safe and monitor the Met Office’s updates as the weather evolves over the coming days.Senior Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: “Moving into New Year’s Eve, another system moves in from the Atlantic, again, Scotland bearing the brunt of this one with some further heavy rain and snow and strong winds.
“The winds also picking up for Northern Ireland and northern England through New Year’s Eve as well, with rain arriving into that part of the world – basically quite an unsettled last day of the year for the northern half of the UK.”
“To the south, we will see some rain later on New Year’s Eve, but it shouldn’t cause too many problems, apart from if you’re out celebrating – you might get a bit damp.”
“The main bit of advice from the Met Office over the coming days is, with the celebrations and people on the move throughout the new year and Hogmanay period, is the keep checking the forecast and to stay up to date with that.
“With the multiple hazards going on across the UK, I think we can probably expect some travel delays right across the UK.”