BRITS have been warned to brace for fierce gales of up to 60mph and travel chaos today with ferry services already cancelled.
The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for wind across large parts of the UK.
It comes as the active jet stream passes across the UK bringing areas of low pressure.
There is one alert in force over northern England, including Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester from 3am util 2pm today.
A small area of southern Scotland is also forecast to be affected.
The Met Office said gusts of up to 65mph could lead to road, rail, air and ferry disruption.
Forecasters said those under the weather warning can expect: “Possibly some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.
“Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely.
“Some delays to road, rail and air transport are possible.”
The second yellow weather warning covers Liverpool and western Wales.
It began at 3pm yesterday and is due to end at 9am this morning.
Met Office meteorologists forecast winds of up to 55mph across the affected area.
Meanwhile, gales of 65mph could be expected in a few places, particularly along the coast.
“It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves,” said forecasters.
The Met Office added: “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said its overnight ferry service from Heysham, Lancashire to Douglas, Isle of Man was cancelled.
Wednesday services are expected to operate as normal.
In today’s forecast the agency said: “A windy start on Wednesday morning with gales across some western and northern areas.
“Outbreaks of rain will move east, and after a mild start, it will gradually turn colder in the north through the day.”
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said winds strengthened on yesterday.
He added: “Going into Wednesday, the strongest winds will become confined to the northern isles.”
The latest warnings come as after Storm Darragh battered the UK earlier this month.
The fourth named storm of the season saw hundreds of thousands left without power, and trains cancelled and wide spread disruption.
Storm Darragh tragically claimed two men’s lives after trees fell on their vehicles.
The Met Office five day forecast:
Today:
A murky mild start in the south with strong winds, strongest being across the Pennines and exposed western coasts with rain spreading eastwards later. Turning colder in the north and west with blustery showers turning wintry over high ground.
Tonight:
Heavy rain spreads across the south through the night. Clears into the North Sea by dawn. Cold in the north under clear skies which can lead to a ground frost.
Thursday:
Early cloud clearing the southeast through the morning leaving sunny spells. Frequent showers continuing in the north. Feeling cold in brisk northwesterly winds
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Turning milder once again from Friday but staying changeable and often windy, with further spells of rain.
