Thousands brace for pre-Christmas travel chaos as Met Office warns of 60mph wind and storms in parts

BRITS have been warned to brace for pre-Christmas travel chaos as 60mph winds and storms are set to batter the UK.

The Met Office has issued two fresh yellow weather warnings for wind this afternoon, in place on Saturday.

There is an alert over large parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland which comes into effect at 7am and lasts until 9pm.

The second notice is in place for the Scottish Highlands, again from 7am until 9pm.

The Met Office warned those affected can expect delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.

Bus and train services are likely to face some disruption to, with longer journey times.

High-sided vehicles may also be subject to delays on bridges and exposed routes.

There is even a chance of "isolated, short term loss of power".

Meanwhile those on the coast were warned: "There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties."

It comes as the active jet stream passes across the UK bringing areas of low pressure.

The Met Office issued two yellow weather warnings for wind across the UK today.

There was one alert in force over northern England, including Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester from 3am util 2pm.

A small area of southern Scotland was also forecast to be affected.

The Met Office said gusts of up to 65mph could lead to road, rail, air and ferry disruption.

The second yellow weather warning covers Liverpool and western Wales.

It began at 3pm yesterday and ended at 9am this morning.

Met Office meteorologists forecast winds of up to 55mph across the affected area.

Meanwhile, gales of 65mph were expected in a few places, particularly along the coast.

The M48 Severn Bridge was closed down due to wind speeds of close to 50mph this morning.

And, the Humber Bridge, which links Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on the A15, was also shut down to high-sided vehicles and caravans, with all other users restricted to 30mph.

CalMac ferries, which serves the west coast of Scotland, said services were subject to disruption because of the weather.

National Rail warned strong winds could "severely" impact train journeys, with travellers in northern England and southern Scotland particularly affected.

Trains between Glasgow Queen Street and Mallaig travelled at a reduced speed for safety purposes until around midday.

Meanwhile, The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said its overnight ferry service from Heysham, Lancashire to Douglas, Isle of Man was cancelled.

Wednesday services are expected to operate as normal.

The Met Office also warned today: "If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves.

"Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

"Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead.

"In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

In today's forecast the agency said: "A windy start on Wednesday morning with gales across some western and northern areas.

"Outbreaks of rain will move east, and after a mild start, it will gradually turn colder in the north through the day."

The latest warnings come as after Storm Darragh battered the UK earlier this month.

The fourth named storm of the season saw hundreds of thousands left without power, and trains cancelled and wide spread disruption.

Storm Darragh tragically claimed two men's lives after trees fell on their vehicles.