Strong easterly winds and biting windchill swept across Wales on Thursday 25 December, creating hazardous conditions on the roads, slowing public transport and prompting warnings of disruption for passengers using key routes and ferry links.

With gusts widely in excess of 45 miles per hour and up to around 65 miles per hour along exposed coasts and upland areas, authorities urged motorists and public transport users to expect longer journey times and to check services before travelling.

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Yellow wind warning stretches across much of Wales

The Met Office placed much of Wales under a yellow weather warning for wind from the early hours of Christmas Day through to 23:59, highlighting the risk of “strong and unusually gusty” east to north easterly winds.

The warning zone covered large parts of west and mid Wales, including coastal and rural communities in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and sections of Gwynedd, before extending across much of the country as conditions developed through the day.

Forecasters said gusts of 45 to 55 miles per hour were expected widely, with 55 to 65 miles per hour possible on exposed coasts, headlands and higher ground. While the day stayed largely dry for many areas, the combination of strong winds and low temperatures meant it felt close to or below freezing in the wind, particularly in open and elevated locations.

Meteorologists also highlighted the unusual wind direction as a factor that could catch some communities off guard. Easterly and north easterly gales are less common in Wales than the prevailing south westerlies, and can create different exposure on roads, bridges and coastal infrastructure that are normally sheltered from stormy Atlantic systems.

Although no widespread flooding was expected, large waves were forecast along parts of the Welsh coastline, adding to the hazards for sea front roads, promenades and ferry operations. Officials urged people to stay well back from breaking waves and to take extra care on cliff top paths and exposed coastal routes.

Road safety concerns for motorists and freight traffic

On the roads, National Highways and Welsh authorities warned that driving conditions would be difficult at times, particularly for high sided vehicles, cars towing caravans and those carrying light or unsecured loads. Side winds posed a particular problem on exposed stretches of motorway and trunk road, as well as on major bridges serving cross border and coastal routes.

Transport officers said motorists should prepare for slower moving traffic, sudden gusts and unexpected debris such as branches and loose objects being blown into carriageways. Advisory speed restrictions were considered in the most exposed sections, while some routes saw rolling lane closures as crews removed fallen branches or dealt with minor incidents caused by the wind.

Drivers heading to and from holiday gatherings were urged to leave additional time and to plan for alternative routes where appropriate. Officials repeated the familiar winter travel advice: check the forecast, ensure vehicles are fuelled and equipped for delays, and avoid unnecessary journeys in the most exposed areas when the winds peak.

Emergency services also asked motorists to be alert for vulnerable road users, including cyclists and motorcyclists who can be sharply affected by crosswinds, and pedestrians walking near live traffic in gusty conditions. With reduced daylight during the festive period and strong winds buffeting vehicles, visibility and reaction times were also a concern.

Rail and bus passengers face disrupted timetables

Public transport operators across Wales reported a day of challenging conditions, with strong winds affecting overhead lines, trackside vegetation and coastal sections of the network. While many rail services continued to run, some were subject to temporary speed restrictions, causing extended journey times and occasional missed connections.

Transport for Wales advised passengers to check live departure boards and operator updates before travelling, noting that gusty conditions can force last minute changes as controllers respond to safety concerns. Services along more exposed coastal stretches and high level routes were under particular scrutiny as forecasters warned that gusts could strengthen through the morning and into the afternoon.

Bus and coach operators also warned of delays where high sided vehicles had to reduce speed in strong side winds or divert around temporary road restrictions. Rural routes in upland areas and along coastal cliffs were highlighted as especially vulnerable, and some lightly used festive services were combined or rescheduled to keep drivers and passengers safe.

Passengers travelling to Christmas events or returning home were encouraged to allow extra time, carry warm clothing in case of extended waits at bus stops or on exposed station platforms, and to stay updated through operator communications throughout the day.

Along the Welsh coastline, strong onshore winds and large waves created difficult conditions for staff managing ports, ferry terminals and sea front roads. Port authorities kept a close watch on conditions in the Irish Sea, where the combination of easterly gales and residual swell from earlier systems can produce confused seas and uncomfortable crossings for smaller vessels.

Some ferry services between Wales and Ireland adjusted their schedules, with the possibility of delayed departures or altered sailing times to navigate the worst of the winds. Operators typically seek longer weather windows when strong crosswinds threaten safe berthing or when large waves risk damaging loading ramps and port infrastructure.

Coastal roads and promenades in west Wales, including sections of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, were affected by sea spray and occasional wave overtopping around high tides. Local authorities monitored conditions for the potential need to close short stretches of sea front roads if waves began washing across the carriageway or depositing debris such as shingle and seaweed.

Harbour masters warned residents and visitors against getting too close to harbour walls and breakwaters to watch the waves, stressing that large breaking seas and unpredictable gusts can create sudden, dangerous surges that sweep people off their feet. Coastal walking routes on high cliffs were also deemed more hazardous in the strong winds.

Communities balance festive plans with weather warnings

The adverse weather coincided with one of the busiest days of the festive calendar, as families and friends criss crossed Wales for Christmas gatherings. The timing of the strongest winds from early morning through late evening meant that many journeys, from early church services to evening returns, took place in challenging conditions.

Some community events, including coastal walks, sea swims and outdoor festive markets, were scaled back or cancelled due to safety concerns. Organisers cited the risk of wind chill, strong gusts near water and the potential for falling branches in wooded areas as reasons for modifying plans or moving activities indoors.

Local councils used social media and local radio to remind residents of the need to secure loose items in gardens, such as trampolines, outdoor decorations and garden furniture, which can become airborne in gusty conditions and cause damage or obstruct roads. Power networks also stayed on alert for potential outages if branches or debris struck lines, although widespread power cuts were not guaranteed.

Despite the blustery weather, many parts of Wales continued with indoor celebrations relatively unaffected, as the high pressure system brought largely dry conditions alongside the cold and wind. However, the strong easterly breeze ensured that stepping outside, even briefly, felt sharply colder than the thermometer suggested.

Outlook: gradually easing winds but continued chill

Forecasters indicated that the strongest gusts were expected to ease slowly overnight into Friday, as the pressure gradient relaxed and the high pressure centre shifted position. However, the residual easterly flow was likely to keep temperatures on the low side into the weekend, particularly overnight and in rural locations where frost and icy patches may develop.

The Met Office signalled that, beyond Christmas Day, the overall pattern would remain relatively settled compared with recent stormy episodes earlier in the month, but warned that further bouts of strong winds or rain cannot be ruled out later in the holiday period. Any additional systems would be monitored closely for their impact on returning holiday traffic and post Christmas retail travel.

Travel operators across Wales planned to continue close coordination with forecasters and highway authorities, using updated weather models to decide when to lift speed restrictions, restore full timetables or, if necessary, introduce further precautionary measures. Passengers were advised to keep checking for updates, particularly if travelling on longer cross border routes that pass through multiple warning areas.

For now, the message from authorities remained cautious but measured: while conditions were disruptive and uncomfortable, with notable impacts on journey times and some services, they fell short of the large scale damage associated with named winter storms earlier in the season. Common sense precautions, careful planning and a close eye on forecasts were described as the best tools for staying safe and mobile.

FAQ

Q1. How strong are the winds in Wales today and which areas are worst affected?
The Met Office has warned of gusts typically between 45 and 55 miles per hour across much of Wales, with 55 to 65 miles per hour possible in exposed coastal locations and over higher ground in the west and northwest.

Q2. How are road journeys being affected by the adverse weather?
Drivers are facing reduced road safety due to strong crosswinds, occasional debris on the carriageway and slower traffic, especially on exposed routes and bridges. High sided vehicles and those towing trailers are at particular risk from sudden gusts.

Q3. Are public transport services in Wales running normally?
Most rail and bus services are operating, but many are reporting delays, speed restrictions and some minor disruption on the most exposed stretches. Passengers are being urged to check live updates before setting out and to allow extra time.

Q4. Could the weather lead to cancellations on rail lines?
While widespread cancellations have not been reported, strong winds can prompt emergency speed limits, temporary line closures to clear debris or changes to rolling stock, any of which may result in short notice alterations to timetables.

Q5. What is the impact on ferry crossings between Wales and Ireland?
Ferry operators are monitoring sea and wind conditions closely, and some sailings may experience delays, extended crossing times or schedule changes to avoid the windiest periods and ensure safe berthing at ports.

Q6. Is it safe to drive over major bridges and coastal roads?
Authorities have not announced blanket closures across all major bridges, but have warned that high sided vehicles may face restrictions or advisories on the windiest spans, and that coastal roads could see hazardous spray or occasional wave overtopping near high tide.

Q7. Are power cuts expected due to the strong winds?
Network operators say there is a risk of localised power outages if branches or debris strike overhead lines, particularly in rural and wooded areas, but widespread long duration cuts are not guaranteed and crews are on standby to respond.

Q8. How long will the adverse weather continue to affect travel?
The yellow wind warning remains in force until late on Christmas night, after which gusts should gradually ease. However, residual breezy and cold conditions may continue to slow some journeys and keep operators cautious into Friday.

Q9. What precautions should travellers in Wales take today?
Travellers are being advised to check forecasts and transport updates regularly, allow extra time for journeys, secure loose items around vehicles, carry warm clothing and supplies, and consider delaying non essential trips during the period of strongest winds.

Q10. Is there any risk of snow affecting roads and transport in Wales today?
Forecasters do not expect a white Christmas in Wales this year, and any wintry showers are likely to be isolated and confined to higher ground, so the principal hazards for transport are strong winds, wind chill and, later, the potential for icy patches.