UK weather warnings could mean disruption to Christmas travel

Strong winds forecast for a large swathe of the UK could lead to disruption for millions of travellers making Christmas getaways this weekend.

It comes as over 29 million drivers are expected to hit the roads to see friends and family in the run-up to 25 December – the highest number since 2013, according to RAC.

Yellow weather warnings have already been issued for Saturday and Sunday, with wind gusts forecast to reach as high 80mph (129km/h) in some places.

A deep area of low pressure - fuelled by a powerful jet stream high above the Atlantic - is set to bring very strong winds with gales in places to the UK.

The windiest weather on Saturday is likely to be found across Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, northern England and north Wales.

Met Office yellow warnings have been issued with a chance that gusts could reach 80mph (129km/h) in the most exposed parts of north-west Scotland. Gusts of 50-70mph (80-113km/h) are expected more widely across the warning areas.

This could bring disruption to road, rail, ferry and air transport. Large waves and flying debris are potential hazards, along with the risk of power cuts.

On Sunday a broader yellow warning covers large parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the western half of England. This also warns of 50-70mph (80-113km/h) wind gusts which could bring further travel problems.

As well as strong winds, widespread showers are expected throughout the weekend. Some of these will be wintry with a mix of sleet, hail and snow over the hills. It will feel cold, particularly on Sunday.

This weekend's winds are unlikely to be as strong as those brought by Storm Darragh earlier in December but the impacts could still be significant because many of us will be making journeys in the run-up to Christmas.

The RAC says that motorcyclists are particularly at risk from strong cross winds while other drivers should consider whether journeys are really necessary, external.

It suggests motorists should plan their routes carefully, hold the steering wheel firmly to keep control in gusty conditions, and drive more slowly to minimise the impact of strong winds on vehicle handling.

Many train services are expected to be busy over the weekend with National Rail warning of engineering works , externalon many routes which will cause disruption regardless of any weather impacts.

There is also the potential for disruption on ferry routes and at the airports.

As we move into Christmas week itself the weather should start to calm down with winds easing by Monday.

A weak weather front will bring cloudy conditions with some patchy rain and drizzle - and things may stay quite grey and damp during Christmas Eve too.

However high pressure will be building so rainfall amounts are expected to be small, and by Christmas Day most places will be dry with the chance of some sunny spells.

Temperatures are expected to reach 10-13C across the UK so the chances of a white Christmas are looking slim.

But the festivities are still several days away so it is worth keeping up to date with the forecast with BBC Weather online and on the app - especially if you are planning a journey.