The Met Office issued a warning ahead of this weekend, when it is feared a brutal 85mph storm could wreak havoc in some parts of the country just days before Christmas. The forecaster claimed that parts of the country are likely to witness wet and windy conditions over the weekend.
In the latest update, the Met Office explained how a deep area of low pressure will cross the far north of the UK on Saturday, bringing rain and disruptive strong winds across large swathes of the UK.
A few weather warnings for wind have been issued for both Saturday and Sunday, highlighting the chance of disruption.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “This period of disruptive weather coincides with a busy period on UK roads as the festive getaway starts for many.
“The area of low pressure will bring rain and strong winds on Saturday, with a chance of significant disruption especially to transport networks across the north, including the potential for ferry cancellations.
“The strongest winds are expected across northern Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts of 80 to 85 mph in coastal districts.
“The strong winds will be more widespread on Sunday with gusts of 50-60 mph across much of northern, central and western UK, locally higher for coasts and across high ground.”
Douglas Cairns from Transport Scotland said: “The strong winds across Scotland this weekend are expected to have an impact on the transport network.
“Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges.
“The network is also expected to be busier than usual, given it’s the last weekend before Christmas.”
The unsettled conditions come days before the country moves towards witnessing a dry and settled Christmas with hardly any chances of snow this year.
The Met Office said: “Christmas Day itself is likely to be settled, mostly cloudy and dry, although strong winds and spells of rain are likely in the far north.
“Temperatures are expected to be widely very mild, with the chance of a white Christmas looking slim.”