Weather Warning: Strong winds on Boxing Day as Storm Bella sweeps in

Waves crash against the pier wall at Tynemouth on the North East coast of England on Christmas Eve Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/PA Images

Weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for the East of England


There's already been severe flooding in many parts of the Anglia region after heavy rain on Wednesday and into Christmas Eve.

The Met Office yellow weather warning for heavy rain expired at 2am on Christmas Eve but more showers are expected through the day.

However another weather warning for strong winds has been issued for Boxing Day as Storm Bella sweeps in.


Met Office Yellow Weather Warning for strong winds

Valid: 3pm Saturday 26 December to midday Sunday 27 December

Very windy weather is expected for parts of England, Wales and the far south of Scotland, leading to disruption to transport and utilities.

The Anglia region is covered by a yellow weather warning for strong winds on Boxing Day into Sunday with an amber warning further south Credit: Met Office

What to expect

  • Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

  • Some roads and bridges may close

  • Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

  • Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

  • Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen

The detail

An area of strong southwesterly winds will develop across parts of northern England and the far south of Scotland on Boxing Day afternoon, before transferring southeastwards across the rest of England and Wales into Sunday morning, clearing by early Sunday afternoon.

Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are likely, with the potential for 60-70 mph in some locations.

Hills and coasts exposed to the southwesterly winds could see gusts of 70-80 mph.

In addition to the strong winds, a period of heavy, squally rain will affect western and southern areas.

Combined with strong winds, the rain will lead to some hazardous travelling conditions.