Issued: 0530hrs Friday 23rd December 2016
Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling

Severe gales bringing travel disruption today and tonight

Good morning,

Storm Barbara is hitting the UK this morning bringing severe gales to many. The strongest of the winds are going to be in the west and north with gusts of over 90mph affecting Scotland through much of today and into the night. The strongest of the wind affecting northern England , Ireland and Wales this morning, with gusts to 80mph, although these tending to ease this afternoon. Elsewhere gusts of 50 to 60mph are likely.

Those wind strengths will be strong enough to cause some minor damage in places and may well disrupt travel. There will be some heavy rain accompanying the wind in Scotland and Ireland this morning, this then crossing the rest of England and Wales during the afternoon. Squally winds may well pass with the rain band so be prepared for sudden gusts.

Brighter weather will then follow from the west during the day. Turning colder in Scotland with snow falling on the hills here. Continues severe gales in northern Scotland through this evening and overnight.

Simon
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