Christmas Lights Delayed As Winds Lash Towns

A number of towns across the UK have delayed switching on their Christmas lights this weekend amid fears of strong winds.

Bognor Regis, Portsmouth and parts of Ayrshire are among the areas that have suspended their festive plans.

Gusts of up to 70mph are expected around some exposed coastal areas, with 50-60mph winds inland.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Saturday and Sunday covering the whole of England and Wales, although it will be less windy in the far north.

Wind speeds will strengthen on Saturday morning with coastlines in the west and south west experiencing 60mph gusts, the Met Office said.

Wind speeds could drop on Saturday night but will be even stronger on Sunday when western coasts could see 70mph gusts.

The warning said: "Please be aware of the potential for some disruption due to the strong winds."

Met Office meteorologist Emma Sharples said the winds will also be accompanied by unsettled weather, meaning showers in many parts.

She said: "The showers will be wintry further north. Parts of Scotland will see snow on higher ground, probably above 300 metres."

Snow showers are expected to move further south in Scotland on Sunday, including across the central belt.

Sky News Weather Producer Chris England said: "Sunday will be another windy day with widespread showers. It will stay unsettled well into next week."

Flood warnings have also been issued by the Environment Agency in the Hessle area of East Yorkshire, close to the north end of the Humber Bridge, and in Dunster and Porlock Weir in Somerset.