Christmas travel chaos as Met Office issues 'severe' weather update and warns of 'significant disruption'

The Met Office has issued a Christmas weather update and has warned of potentially severe travel disruption in the run up to December 25.

Forecasters have said there will be 'unsettled' conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds likely. A 'deep area of low pressure' will cross the far north of the UK bringing 'disruptive' wind and rain to much of the British Isles.

National severe yellow wind warnings have already been issued for Saturday and Sunday (December 21 and 22), covering all of Scotland, most of the north west, including Greater Manchester, and parts of Ireland and Wales.

The strong and 'prolonged' winds over the weekend, with gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph, are likely to cause significant delays or cancellations to transport, including on roads and to buses and trains.

There could also be short term loss of power, with showers likely with some hail and thunder possible in places.

The Met Office said: "This has the potential to cause delays to public transport and some disruption to the road network, which may have a greater than usual impact given the busier pre-Christmas weekend travel.

"As always, we ask travellers to plan their journeys before setting off to ensure they reach their festive celebrations in good time."

As Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Hicks, added: “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