Christmas getaway travel disruption is expected to continue throughout the weekend – with millions of car journeys already under way and major London railway stations set to close on Sunday.
The AA has estimated that 16.4 million car journeys will take place on Saturday and warned of “lengthy jams”.
P&O Ferries apologised for delays at the Port of Dover in Kent which saw 90-minute wait times at border control.
The port attributed delays to a surge in demand for ferries after the Channel Tunnel rail link was closed on Thursday due to unscheduled industrial action by French workers.
The queues have since cleared.
Meanwhile, drivers are being warned to expect delays on the A1 in Northumberland after a serious crash on Saturday morning.
The road was closed in both directions after the incident, which happened between the A1167 and B1340 near Belford.
Rail disruption is likely on Christmas Eve as two of London’s railway stations, King’s Cross and Paddington, will be shut due to engineering works.
The closure of London Paddington will continue until Wednesday, meaning no mainline trains will serve Heathrow Airport.
Large traffic queues at the Port of Dover on Saturday morning
UK weather latest – the forecast where you are
Meanwhile Christmas Eve travel plans could be ruined with heavy winds set to batter parts of the country.
Gusts as high as 70mph are due to hit the north of Scotland and northern and central areas of England.
Two separate yellow wind warnings have been issued, saying people should expect travel disruption, damage to buildings and power cuts, while the rest of the country may see showers.
Drivers are being warned to expect delays
Meteorologist Liam Eslick said: “People should make sure to leave more time, especially in exposed areas, [as the weather] could affect rail networks and ferries.
“People travelling on roads should take care and stay away from high-sided vehicles and, for people who are at home and are going for walks, stay away from coasts.”
A yellow warning for rain is in force covering much of Wales and will last until 6pm on Christmas Eve.
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Between 20mm to 40mm of rain is expected widely and 60mm to 80mm on higher ground.
Another yellow rain warning is in force for western Scotland until 11.45pm on Saturday, with 20mm to 55mm of rain expected widely and 80mm to 100mm on higher ground.
Slow moving traffic on the M42 close to Birmingham on Saturday
Motorists have been advised by the RAC to travel before 11am or after 6pm if possible to reduce the chance of being stuck in long queues.
Eurostar, which operates passenger rail services to and from London St Pancras, is operating two extra trains per day between London and Paris including on Christmas Eve to help people whose trains were cancelled on Thursday.
Vehicle-carrying train service Le Shuttle is running its usual timetable but is only accepting customers who have pre-booked.
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‘Saturday shoppers’
Meanwhile, shoppers up and down the country have been hitting the high streets and markets on Saturday ahead of the big day.
Christmas shoppers in Birmingham on Saturday
A meat auction at Smithfield Market in London on Saturday
Smithfield Market shoppers during the meat auction
The British Retail Consortium said many people will be making a “last-minute dash” to their favourite stores.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the consortium, added: “As stores and delivery services become increasingly busy this weekend, it is essential that we all play our part in creating a friendly and enjoyable environment for other customers and staff this Christmas, and we ask for patience, kindness and consideration.”
https://news.sky.com/story/uk-weather-last-minute-getaway-trips-face-disruption-due-to-wet-and-windy-conditions-in-lead-up-to-christmas-13036540
