Power cuts, flooding and fresh travel disruption are expected on New Year’s Eve as Storm Dylan brings strong winds and heavy rain to the UK.
Gusts of up to 80mph have been forecast in Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, with warnings of possible injury and danger to life.
The latest storm comes after freezing temperatures, heavy snow, rain and wind caused disruption during the Christmas break.
As #StormDylan moves across the UK through Saturday night and Sunday, the strongest of the winds will be across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland with gusts up to 80 mph. Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/h1AExiz3AG
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2017
The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for Northern Ireland and Scotland on Sunday morning, as Dylan begins to roll across the region in the early hours.
The warning is in place from 4am to 1pm, when forecasters said there “will probably be some damage to buildings such as tiles blown from roofs, with flying debris likely with the possibility of injuries or danger to life”.
“In coastal areas large waves are likely as well as beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and perhaps some properties,” the Met Office said.
“Longer journey times and cancellations are likely as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected. Some roads and bridges are likely to close.
“There is also a good chance of power cuts and the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.”
Heavy rain is also forecast for much of south-east Wales and south-west England over the weekend.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain for 6pm on Saturday to 9am on Sunday, and predicts that up to 25mm (1in) is likely to fall. Up to 40mm (1.6in) could be seen in some spots.
“With the ground very wet in these areas, this is likely to lead to rising water levels and some flooding in places,” the Met Office said.
Despite a squally start, conditions are expected to ease by the time people head out to see in the new year.
Meteorologist Alex Burkhill said: “The good news is the worst of the weather will clear by midnight for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“There will be some wind and rain in the south and west, and the north and east have a better chance of staying dry.
“It will be a chilly night, but not exceptionally cold and the breeze might blow a few fireworks in slightly different directions, but it shouldn’t cause too many problems.”
