‘Strongest winds of winter’ to hit UK as Met Office issue new weather warnings
Regions across Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect the “strongest winds of the winter so far.”
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Your support makes all the difference.The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Friday and Saturday for some of the “strongest winds of the winter so far.”
The warnings are in place in large parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with 50-60 mph winds inland and 70-80 mph winds along the coast, the forecaster said.
They also predicted a “weather bomb” is set to hit the UK with strong winds, heavy rain and some snow later this week.
A “weather bomb” is when the central pressure inside of a low pressure system falls at a rapid rate over 24 hours, which can create a peak of violent winds strong enough to bring down trees.
The Met Office added that people could expect some “damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs”, as well as power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
It also warned of “injuries and danger to life” from “flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material” thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
![Met Office reveals yellow weather warnings across the UK](https://static.the-independent.com/2025/01/20/11/Screenshot-2025-01-20-at-11.12.54.jpg)
This might affect road, rail, air and ferry services for these areas, the forecaster added.
To prepare for the strong winds, the Met Office advised people to “prepare to protect your property and people from injury” by checking for loose items outside their homes and see how they and secure them.
It warned people to check road conditions before driving and be ready to amend travel plans, and prepare in advance for power cuts by gathering essential items such as torches, batteries, and mobile phone power banks.
The Met Office added: “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.”
The forecaster issued a new map which shows that a powerful Jet Stream above the North Atlantic will cause a return to wet and windy conditions with disruptive weather “likely.”
They described a “deep area of low pressure” expected to pass across the northwest of the UK across Friday and Saturday, which will bring a spell of “very strong” southeasterly to southwesterly winds.
The Met Office said: “The wind strength will gradually ease through Saturday from the south.”
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Chris Almond, said: “A very deep area of low pressure will bring a very unsettled, potentially disruptive, spell of weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday.
“Winds will begin to strengthen on Thursday night with the peak gusts forecast through Friday in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. The wind will also be accompanied by heavy rain bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.
“We have issued a yellow weather warning for wind, and with several days before the impactful weather, the forecast details are likely to be fine-tuned during the week, so stay tuned to your local forecast and keep up to date with Met Office warnings.”
These new weather warnings come just weeks after the country experienced its coldest January night in 15 years after a hamlet in northern Scotland dropped to minus 18.7C on 10 January.
Altnaharra, which is in the most northern region of the Highlands, recorded minus 18.7C that Friday night.
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