Met Office issues weather warning for Wales with New Year's Eve disruption expected - Wales Online

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for strong winds across swathes of south Wales. The warning in in place from 10am on December 31 until midnight meaning it will cover lots of New Year's Eve celebrations.

It follows weeks of unsettled weather throughout the Christmas period. The area covered by the warning includes Cardiff, Newport, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Bridgend as well as large parts of Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire and nearly the whole of Pembrokeshire.

Devon, Cornwall, the Bristol Channel, and England's south coast are also affected. This map shows where is covered by the warning:

The area covered by the weather warning (Image: Met Office)

READ MORE:When will the weather get nice in Wales again?

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What to expect

On announcing the warning the Met Office said:

• Gales or severe gales in association with heavy showers may lead to disruption to transport and infrastructure
• Some delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport are likely
• It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts, and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves
• Probably some bus and train services affected with some journeys taking longer
• Some short-term loss of power and other services is possible
• Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely

In an accompanying statement the Met Office said: "A blustery day for much of southern England and Wales but with strongest west-northwesterly winds reserved for parts of southwest Wales, southwest England, and English Channel coasts. Here wind gusts of 50-55mph are likely quite widely with potential for gusts of 65-75mph for the most exposed coasts and hills. These strong gusts will also drive squally showers across the area, these bringing hail and the risk of of thunder.

"Winds will ease from west to east during the evening... Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. 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. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."

When will things improve?

On Saturday, December 30, WalesOnline spoke to Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell who said that there would be periods of bright weather on New Year's Day. Of the first day of 2024 Mr Snell said: "Showers should start easing off especially from late morning. But as it will be a slow start for some people there will be sunny periods for much of Wales as people start to venture out around lunchtime. That will be a good opportunity to get outside and walk off the Christmas excesses." You can read the full details here.

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2023-12-31 07:51:00Z
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