Met Office urgent 11-hour wind warning as 60mph gusts to batter UK within hours

Strong winds of up to 60mph are set to sweep across the UK within hours. The Met Office has issued an 11-hour weather warning for wind, with five regions of Britain set to be impacted.

The gusty winds are expected to bring travel disruption, with 'difficult' driving conditions in some places. The yellow weather alert for wind will come into effect from 3am on Wednesday, December 18, and last until 2pm that same day.

The Met Office said: "West to southwesterly winds will become particularly gusty over and to the east/northeast of hills late Tuesday night and into Wednesday. Gusts of 50-60 mph are possible in some areas, and potentially higher in more exposed places.

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"This may cause difficult travelling conditions, especially on higher level and north-south routes." It added: "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.

"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."

Regions and local authorities affected:

East Midlands

• Derbyshire

North East England

• Durham
• Gateshead
• Northumberland

North West England

• Cumbria
• Greater Manchester
• Lancashire

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

• Dumfries and Galloway
• Scottish Borders

Yorkshire & Humber

• North Yorkshire
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire