Storm Barbara to hammer the north over Christmas

The gusts could cause chaos on the roads for the 3.5 million drivers predicted to be planning a Christmas getaway on Friday, with 3.8 million expected to take to the roads on Christmas Eve.

Eventually, that energy will pivot through the Rockies, helping to propel an area of surface low pressure northeastward across the Plains and upper Midwest during the weekend.

The burst of strong wind is not expected to last too long but it could affect the big Christmas getaway, as officials warn travel could be disrupted.

The warning will come into effect on Friday night, December 23, at midnight and will remain in place until for the next 24 hours, according to Met Eireann.

“Gusts of 80mph are likely quite widely, with westerly winds gusting to 90mph likely across parts of western and northern Scotland later on Friday and overnight into Saturday”.

The rain will move out of town Thursday evening, but it will likely return Saturday morning, when there is a 70 percent chance of showers.

Any dramatic weather conditions associated with the storm would be experienced only along the north west coast.

Met Eireann have warned the weather system will bring gale force winds of up to 120k/ph and heavy rain.

Storm Barbara, a rapidly deepening Atlantic storm is expected to pass close to northwest Scotland later on Friday.

London is expected to be hit with torrential rain and strong winds as Storm Barbara makes its way over to the United Kingdom during the festive period.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Tubbs explained: “The disturbed conditions look like continuing through Christmas weekend, with another vigorous low-pressure system waiting in the wings”.

On Christmas Day another storm is forecast to pass close to the Northern Isles, sending wet and windy weather southeastwards across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The Met Office said: “A further spell of very strong winds is expected on Christmas Day”.