Weather Warning: Wales braces for high winds and heavy rain

Friday, December 29, 2023

Wales faces a double threat this weekend as the Met Office issues weather warnings for wind and rain, anticipating gusts of up to 75mph and potential flooding.

Wales is set to endure another bout of challenging weather this weekend, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for both wind and rain. The warnings cover a range of areas, including Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Cardiff, Conwy, Newport, Swansea, and more. The forecast suggests gusts of 45-50mph, reaching 65-75mph in coastal regions.

This follows the recent impact of Storm Gerrit, which brought winds of up to 85mph, leaving tens of thousands without power in Ceredigion. The upcoming weather front is expected to move across England and Wales, characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.

The wind warning spans from 11:00 GMT on Saturday until 03:00 on Sunday, coinciding with another warning for heavy rain from 10:00-18:00 on Saturday. The Met Office advises that these conditions are likely to affect travel and may result in power cuts.

This announcement comes in the wake of a supercell thunderstorm causing a tornado in Greater Manchester, leading to a major incident declaration in Tameside. The aftermath revealed significant damage to properties, with roofs missing, trees uprooted, and windows shattered.

As families in affected areas recover from the recent tornado, the Met Office warns of more challenges ahead. Steven Ramsdale, a Met Office Forecaster, emphasizes the likelihood of hill snow and heavy rain, affecting areas previously hit by Storm Gerrit.

In addition to potential travel disruptions, there are reports of railway routes remaining closed in Scotland and flight cancellations at Heathrow. The impact of Storm Gerrit continues to be felt, with ScotRail, LNER, Avanti West Coast, and London Northwestern Railway experiencing disruptions.

As the weather warnings loom, residents and authorities are urged to stay vigilant, prepare for possible flooding, and take necessary precautions. The Met Office will closely monitor the situation, providing updates as the weekend unfolds.

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