UK weather map: New Year’s Eve fireworks in jeopardy as ‘heavy’ rain & 75mph winds risk ‘sweeping Brits off their feet’
NEW Year’s Eve fireworks could be in jeopardy after a UK weather map revealed “heavy” downpours and 75mph winds will batter the country.
Brits are braced for more wet and windy conditions after a week of gloomy weather caused by Storm Gerrit.
The Met Office say “low pressure” will be approaching the country bringing “unsettled weather and strengthened winds” on Saturday.
Swathes of yellow weather warnings issued by the Met Office are already covering the UK from tomorrow.
A yellow weather warning for wind covering parts of Wales and the east of England has been issued and will come into force between 11am on Saturday and 3am on New Year’s Eve.
A spell of strong and gusty winds will move east across England and Wales, bringing some disruption to travel and services, the forecaster said.
Sunday may see gusts of up to 75mph in western and southern coastal parts of England and regions in Wales, according to the forecaster.
The forecaster has also predicted short-term power cuts in some areas.
There may also be flooding and transport disruption in Wales as a yellow warning for rain is in place between 10am and 6pm on Saturday.
The same weather warning will also come into effect at 4am on Saturday for Northern Ireland, due to be in force until 11am the same day.
Met Office forecasters warned those near the coast that they could be “swept off their feet”.
They said: “If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves.
“Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
“Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Meteorologists added: “An active cold front will move east across England and Wales during Saturday and into Sunday and will be characterised by strong winds and some heavy rain.
“Gusts of 45-50 mph widely, but squally near the cold front with some gusts around 60 mph, whilst the strongest gusts are likely near coasts in the west and south, with 65-75 mph in places.”
It comes as families and revellers were urged to travel today to avoid New Year chaos as the Met Office issued a warning for snow and high winds.
It comes after a supercell thunderstorm moved across northwest England yesterday after the same type of storm resulted in a tornado that damaged homes in Greater Manchester.