Storm Pia weather and travel updates as UK hit by 80mph winds and schools shut

21 December 2023 , 13:56

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Strong waves have began battering Blackpool as a result of Storm Pia (Image: Dave Nelson)

Strong winds and rain are set to batter the British Isles today as Storm Pia makes landfall, bring gusts of around 80mph.

The storm, named by the Danish Met Institute, is set to blanket a large part of the country, including swathes of northern England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland until around 3pm this afternoon, as the Met Office reduced the warning from 9pm. A yellow weather warning for wind came into effect at midnight with forecasted gusts of 70mph to 80mph in northern Scotland – 65mph to 70mph on high ground – and 45mph to 55mph elsewhere in the country.

Further warnings have been issued, telling people to be wary on the roads where several trees have already been felled. In Stanley, Derbyshire, a house was severely damaged by a fallen tree. In Derby a tree was seen on top of a petrol station, thanks to the winds.

In response to the situation, a number of schools yet to break up for the holidays are set to shutter for the rest of the day. The Met Office has also warned there may be power failures as the day goes on.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said: “It is quite a wide wind warning area. Gusts are forecast quite widely to be 45mph to 55mph, possibly 65mph to 70mph to the east of high ground in Scotland. The strongest winds are likely to be found in the north and north-east of Scotland, including the Northern Isles, with 70mph to 80mph in the morning.”

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

Travellers have been warned of “short notice changes to journeys” on some rail services while TransPennine Express (TPE) asked customers to delay their journeys in and out of the Scottish capital until after 3pm, as parts of the UK brace for high winds. Checks are set to be made on other parts of the network

Storm Pia weather and travel updates as UK hit by 80mph winds and schools shut

A house in Derbyshire was damaged by a falling tree (Paul Tonge)

The conditions have also affected thousands of train passengers who are stuck on the line between London and Leeds. Trains ground to a halt after high winds brought down a tree on to an overhead power cable near Doncaster, causing a fire. Bad weather had already caused the cancellation of many services but the blaze stopped the East Coast Main Line completely at 11am.

A dozen trains were backed up between London and Leeds with staff unable to say how long delays would last. Passenger Andrew Whitaker, whose train from London to Leeds is stuck at Peterborough station, said: "We have no idea how long we will be here. Actually, we have now told we are about to depart.. but think this could be a very long journey."

A fallen tree on top of the roof of a petrol station (PA)

An LNER spokesperson said: "The fire has now been dealt with and the tree cleared away, but there is huge congestion on the line."

Kathryn O'Brien, customer experience and operations director for TPE, said earlier: "Our number one priority is to keep our customers and colleagues safe, and we will be doing all we can to keep people moving in difficult conditions. We are urging anyone travelling across the affected routes to plan ahead, allow extra time, check their journey up until the last minute, and follow the guidance provided."

A plane struggling to take off from Leeds Bradford Airport (PA)

Elsewhere on the trains, Network Rail said many services will only run once safety inspections have taken place, leading to some cancellations. The high winds have also caused British Airways to ground several European flights as it apologised to affected passengers.

A downed tree in Huddersfield on top of a car (AFP via Getty Images)

The Met Office warned: "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. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

An overturned lorry on the M60 has fallen foul of the weather (Submitted)

"Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 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."