Met Office gale-force wind warning as 70mph gusts set to batter Bristol

A weather warning for wind has been issued for Bristol, Somerset and the wider West Country region. Forecasters are expecting gales of up to 70mph to hit the area on Sunday, December 22.

The Met Office yellow warning is in place from 12am until 9pm. The forecaster has warned of widespread travel disruption and potential power cuts.

Winds are set to hit between 50mph and 60mph in most places. Meanwhile, coastal and hilly locations could be battered by 70mph gale-force gusts.

The Met Office said: "Strong and gusty northwesterly winds are expected to develop on Sunday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are expected quite widely, and around some exposed coasts and hills of gusts 70 mph are possible, especially in the north and west. In addition, squally showers are likely with some hail and thunder possible in places.

"This has the potential to cause delays to public transport and some disruption to the road network, which may have a greater than usual impact given the busier pre-Christmas weekend travel. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard."

Forecasters have outlined what to expect during the yellow wind warning:

• 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

Today: Bright start with sunny spells during the day, although blustery showers feeding across western counties, where they could be wintry over the Moors. Feeling cold in brisk northwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Tonight: Showers fading during the evening with winds briefly easing. Cloud building overnight with showers returning to Cornwall and Devon by dawn. Chilly evening but temperatures rebounding slightly as cloud arrives. Minimum temperature 2 °C.

Friday: Scattered showers and bright spells to begin Outbreaks of rain spreading across the region in the afternoon. Milder than Thursday but with blustery winds picking up in strength again. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Further rain or showers during the weekend and on Monday. Often blustery, and particularly windy on Saturday with coastal gales. Coldest on Sunday with notable wind chill.