Storm Arwen: Wales braced for 65mph winds and travel chaos

Forecasters have warned of travel chaos as the first winter storm, Storm Arwen is set to batter parts of Wales with 65mph winds.

The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for Wales from Friday afternoon. The warning has since been upgraded to amber for Saturday morning whilst a red alert is in place for parts of the north-east England and Scotland.

The forecaster warned that flying debris leading to injuries or danger to life is "likely", with people also told to expect damage to trees and buildings, public transport cancellations, road and bridge closures, power cuts and large waves.

A Yellow wind warnings are in place across western parts of Wales on Friday, extending to the rest of the country on Saturday.

Gusts are expected to reach 55mph to 65mph with the highest to be seen in coastal areas.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said: "The worst-affected areas will predominantly be on the coasts, with gusts of over 75mph bringing possible disruption to travel and longer journey times, power cuts, flying debris and large waves, with beach material being thrown around.

"There is also a yellow warning of wind in place along the west coast of the UK from 9am on Friday, stretching from Scotland, through Northern Ireland and Wales and as far as south-west England.

"This reflects the impact Storm Arwen will have, with strong winds likely to occur into Saturday, when the warning is extended to most parts of the UK."

The Met Office names storms on the back of their potential impact, with Storm Arwen declared as the result of the amber wind warning.

Mr Dixon added: "As Arwen causes disruption there will also be the chance of snow in the coming days, especially in the higher regions of Scotland and northern England.

"There may also be some snow in the lower ground region of northern England, though this is likely to be short-lived and fall in the form of sleet or wintry rain.

"It comes on the back of a fall in temperature, with parts of rural Scotland and England to drop below freezing during the night."

The RAC has advised drivers to prepare for strong gusts by slowing down and being "very careful" when passing high-sided vehicles or cyclists.

Spokesman Simon Williams said: "In extreme windy conditions, bridges may also be closed and trees may fall so it's important to allow extra time for journeys.

"With forecasters predicting strong winds together with colder conditions, drivers should take this opportunity to prepare their vehicles for winter by checking oil and coolant levels, ensuring they have enough good quality screenwash that protects down to well below minus 10C, as well as having properly inflated tyres with good tread."