Storm Pia set to cause travel chaos as 80mph winds batter UK

21 December 2023, 09:11

The Met Office have issued a weather warning for Thursday 21st December.

Those travelling for Christmas are being warned to expect disruption to their journey as Storm Pia hits the UK.

The Met Office have issued a Yellow weather warning for wind which could bring gusts of up to 80mph, potentially leading to power outages and transport cancellations.

The weather warning is in place until 21:00 on Thursday 21st December with Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England affected.

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The Met Office have revealed that the public should expect bus and train services to be impacted, with some journeys taking longer than usual. Coastal communities have also been warned they may see high waves and spray in their area.

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 21st December reads: "Wet and windy today, particularly across northern areas where gales or severe gales are likely. Rain and cloud sinking southwards with a mixture of sunny spells and showers to follow. Showers turning wintry over the mountains of Scotland later.

"Tonight: Strongest winds easing although remaining windy throughout tonight. Showers will continue in the north, wintry in places. Rain across the southwest slowly edging northeastwards."

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Who named Storm Pia?

Storm Pia was named by the Danish met office.

Each storm that hits the UK is given its own name, with Storm Babet, Storm Agnes and Storm Ciarán all being named after different people.

At the time of writing Storm Pia is expected to end on Thursday, with no weather warnings in place for the coming days.

This latest weather development comes after it was announced the UK would see a white Christmas, with snow expected across the country.

The Met Office forecast for Christmas Day to 3rd January states: "Rain and drizzle should slowly clear from southern areas on Christmas Day leaving a mixture of sunny spells and showers, some of these turning wintry over high ground in the north. After a probably brief drier and colder interlude for many on Boxing Day, a resumption of the broadly unsettled conditions looks most likely, with further showers or longer spells of rain for many areas.

"It will probably become a little milder again, at least at times, in the south, with the greater chance of colder interludes further north, where some snow is possible, especially over higher ground. Strong winds are also likely at times. Little general change is expected into the start of the new year."

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