The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Wales of 80mph gales. The warning currently covers the north west of the country and is in place for 33 hours over Sunday and Monday. The warning comes into force at 3am on Sunday, October 20, and ends at 12pm on Monday, October 21.
The wind warning comes into force days after a rain warning for almost the whole of Wales was issued. The rain warning states that areas of heavy rain are expected to develop and push north across the warning area, with some regions possibly seeing 50-80 mm of rain fall in a 6-hour period. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible in the south of the warning area, with lightning being an additional hazard.
Under the wind warning, the Met Office has highlighted the potential for longer journey times or cancellations in road, rail, air, and ferry services. There is also a slight chance of damage to buildings, injuries from large waves and flying debris, power cuts, disruption to mobile phone coverage, and potential closures of roads and bridges.
Areas covered by the warning include Conwy, Gwynedd, and Isle of Anglesey. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Holley, stated that a low-pressure system bringing strong winds could impact the north and west, potentially leading to coastal impacts due to high spring tides. He added that a deep area of low pressure from the Atlantic might bring widespread strong winds on Sunday, especially in northern and western areas.
Holley highlighted the need to stay updated with the latest forecast as there is uncertainty about the strength and track of the low-pressure system expected to develop near the coast of Canada. The Met Office warns of possible injury to life from flying debris, potential damage to buildings, and road, rail, air, and ferry cancellations. They advise people to stay informed and take necessary precautions during the severe weather.