The Met Office has updated its yellow weather warning for strong winds in England and Wales. The forecaster has expanded its yellow warning zone to encompass the entire West Midlands region.
The Met Office has also brought the times forward for strong winds, issuing the yellow warning to begin at 12.15am tomorrow on Wednesday, January 1, New Year’s Day. The alert will be in place for almost 15 hours, ending at 3pm.
Inland areas could experience gusts ranging from 45mph to 55mph, but winds could be as strong as 60mph in some inland areas as a result of a “squally cold front” and a “a band of heavy rain” passing southwards. Coastal areas in the west and south have been warned to brace for winds as strong as 65mph to 75mph. A yellow rain warning is also in place for some areas of Shropshire.
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The Met Office has warned there is a small chance of flying debris, which could present a small danger to life. The forecaster said: “There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris. There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.”
Travel disruption can be expected as a result of road, rail, air and ferry services being affected. Power cuts could also take place, while some roads and bridges could close, the Met Office said.
The yellow weather warning over the country
(Image: Met Office)
A spokesperson said: “Strong south westerly winds are expected overnight and during Wednesday. The strongest winds are expected across coastal regions in the west and south of the warning area, where gusts of 65-75 mph are possible.
“Inland, highest gusts will typically be between 45 and 55 mph, but possibly 60 mph in places, particularly in association with the passage of squally cold front which will bring a band of heavy rain southwards. The wind is expected to ease quickly from the north through the course of the day as this cold front passes.”