Weather warning out as South prepares for blustery start to 2025
The Met Office is warning of gusts of up to 75mph on New Year's Day
Last updated 31st Dec 2024
The South is being told to expect a blustery start to 2025, with a yellow weather warning for wind gusts of up to 75mph on New Year's Day.
The Met Office alert covers the whole of Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex and will be in effect between 12.15am and 3pm on Wednesday (January 1st).
Forecasters have said coastal areas will bear the brunt of the strong winds, but gusts of up to 60mph are also possible for inland areas.
What can we expect?
- There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.
- There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.
- There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
- There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
- There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris.
- There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close.
A Met Office spokesperson said:
"An area of low pressure is expected to track across England and Wales, with strong southwesterly winds on its southern flank.
"The strongest winds are expected across coastal regions in the west and south of the warning area, where gusts of 65-75 mph are possible.
"Inland gusts will typically be in the 40-50 mph range, but a brief spell of 60 mph gusts is possible in association with the passage of an active, squally cold front during the afternoon."
Events cancelled
The threat of high winds has led to the cancellation of several events in the South on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said in a statement:
"Unfortunately the Bathtub Race is now cancelled due to the severity of the swell of the water forecast for New Year's Day and the incapability of the Rescue Ribs to launch.
"The classic car and vintage vehicle event is still going ahead on Poole Quay from 10am-12.30pm."
Sandown Carnival on the Isle of Wight has also said that it will postpone its fireworks display planned for New Year's Day because of the "predicted wind speeds" and poor conditions for creating the firework stations on the pier.
The organisers said in a statement:
"Combined with high tide and likely rough sea conditions, it would not be safe for them to attempt the build. Of course, safety comes first and we regret having to take this decision."
The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has also cancelled its Lyme Lunge sea dip on Wednesday because of forecast winds of 50-60mph and it said in a statement:
"I think you will all agree that we must put the safety of Lungers first."