Met Office issues warning as UK drivers hit by travel chaos on Christmas weekend

23 December 2023 , 21:05

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Traffic queues for the ferry at Dover (Image: PA)

Motorists driving home for Christmas could end up on the road to hell as strong winds and heavy rain threaten widespread chaos.

One of the busiest travel weekends of the year has already been hit by road closures, strikes and backlogs at Dover port as people wait to cross the Channel. Now the Met Office is warning that storms may bring even more disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services.

Yellow weather warnings for rain and wind are expected to be in force until Christmas Day morning. They cover northern Scotland but also stretch into parts of the east and west of England and Wales. High winds are also due to hit the north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England today.

People in the affected areas are being told to expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country may see showers. Rain is expected to be widespread across the UK tomorrow.

Traffic on the A102M (George Cracknell Wright)

Some of the busiest areas are likely to be around London’s Heathrow Airport, Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Avonmouth, near Bristol, the AA warned. A spokesman said: “AA advice is to plan your journey and be prepared for delays.”

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The RAC estimated there would be 13.5 million leisure journeys made by car over this weekend – up 20% on the three days before Christmas Day last year.

Shops are also likely to be doing a good trade. A British Retail Consortium spokesman said: “Our expectation is that this weekend will be particularly busy on Britain’s high streets – possibly the busiest trading weekend of the year – with a strong focus on shopping for last-minute gifts.”

Over the weekend, motorists faced long waits at Dover for ferries to take them across the Channel. P&O Ferries apologised for the lengthy delays, telling customers: “We are working hard with the authorities involved to improve the situation and would like to assure you that you will be accommodated on the next available sailing once you get through.”

Keith Perry