Met Office issues Christmas Eve yellow weather warning across large parts of UK

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Christmas Eve with 'strong, very gusts winds' forecast.

The warning comes into force at around 8am on December 24 and will last until 10pm. It covers eastern parts of Greater Manchester, as well as much of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Cumbria and the north east of England.

Forecasters predict that people travelling on the roads and rail for Christmas are likely to be hit by delays. Some roads and bridges may close, according to the Met Office, with high-sided vehicles likely to face 'difficult driving conditions'.

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There is a 'slight chance' of damage to buildings and a chance of power cuts as gusts of between 40 to 50mph are set to hit the area covered by the warning. Forecasters predict that on high ground and over the Pennines, wind gusts will reach speeds of 60mph.

People have been urged to plan ahead and 'amend travel plans if necessary. People should also 'protect their property' by ensuring bins, garden furniture and trampolines are secured.

As well as strong winds, rainy conditions are also forecast for some parts of the UK over the festive period. A yellow rain warning has also been issued by the Met Office for much of Wales from 10pm tomorrow to 6pm on Christmas Eve.

A number of snow and ice warnings are in place for parts of northern Scotland, with a wind warning also covering this area on Christmas Eve. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dave Hayter said: “It’ll be a particularly wet weekend in the north and west, with breezy conditions for many.

"While those