STORM SET TO CAUSE CHAOS

Xmas transport trouble ahead

WILD winds and torrential rain will create travel chaos for millions of Brits trying to get away over Christmas.

Storm Barbara is set to cause a washout across the nation over the festive weekend.

The hurricane-force gales will hit on Friday, causing widespread transport troubles as people take to the roads to visit loved ones.

As well as motorway gridlock, planned train and plane strikes this week will add further misery.

Wind gusts nudging 73mph were forecast by MeteoGroup and The Weather Outlook.

The wet and windy weather will be worst in the north west, but the south will also feel the force.

Snow is predicted in some hilly parts of the north, but forecasters say a white Christmas is unlikely. ISOBEL DICKINSON The Met Office will name the storm Barbara if there is the risk of amber or red warnings for wind or rain.

MeteoGroup’s Julian Mayes, said: “A named storm is quite likely. Christmas looks unsettled.

“Wind gusts of 50-70mph are possible on Friday and Christmas Eve.”

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: “The Christmas period looks wet and windy as low pressure areas arrive from the west.”

Travel misery began yesterday afternoon for some with thousands of flights into London delayed or cancelled due to fog, inset. Some planes were even diverted as far north as Glasgow. Air passengers are also facing misery after check-in staff, baggage handlers and cargo crew at Swissport announced plans for industrial action. More than 1,500 members of the Unite union employed at a number of airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, will stage a 48-hour strike on Friday. On the same day, pilots at Virgin Atlantic will begin a “work to rule” over union recognition. Around 2,000 BA cabin crew have also voted to strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Officials from the Unite union and Swissport will meet for further talks on Tuesday.