New working year gets off to a stormy start

GALES will blow in later today, with gusts up to 80mph threatening to disrupt the first commute of the year for parts of the country.

A Met Office yellow warning of high winds has been issued from 6pm tonight until 8am tomorrow for the North East and west of England, Northern Ireland and southern and central Scotland.

Gusts of 60 to 70mph are likely, while in western coastal areas they may reach 80mph.

A second yellow warning for high winds is in place from just after midnight to 10pm tomorrow, covering the same areas as today, plus the Midlands, the east of England, London, the South East, South West and Wales.

Andy Page, of the Met Office, said: “The gales, combined with locally thundery downpours, may make driving difficult and cause some disruption.” The Environment Agency warned strong winds combined with high tides could lead to coastal flooding.

Carol Holt, flood duty manager, said: “We urge people to stay safe on the coast. Don’t put yourself in danger by taking storm selfies.”