Weather warnings have been issued for strong winds that could pose a “danger to life” – with gusts of up to 80mph forecast on the week millions prepare to make Christmas getaway trips.

The yellow warning covers all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, northern parts of Wales, as well as the Midlands, northwest and northeast of England, and part of East Anglia.

The warning begins on Thursday just after midnight and lasts for 24 hours, according to the Met Office.

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People in the area covered by the warning should expect travel disruption and damage to buildings, with a “small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur” in coastal areas and from flying debris.

“Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, strong west to northwesterly winds are likely to develop across a large swathe of the country,” the Met Office said.

“Quite widely winds are expected to peak with gusts reaching 50-60 mph, however in some locations, such as exposed coastlines, plus over and to the east of high ground there is a chance that gusts of 70-80 mph may be seen in some populated places.”

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The Met Office has warned there is a “small chance that some roads and bridges could close”, at a time when millions of Britons make Christmas getaway trips.

It added the warning could be extended into Friday too, which is predicted to be one of the busiest days of the year on Britain’s roads.

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What does the weather look like during the festive period?

The Met Office said there is an increasing chance of snow and ice late in December and into the New Year period.

Sky News weather producer Christopher England said the forecast for the festive period remains “very uncertain” because it is still two weeks away, but added: “It really doesn’t look like a white Christmas away from Scottish hills.”

He added: “There’s a small chance of something more wintry developing after Christmas and into the New Year.”

Mr England said the coming days would be “basically unsettled” before a “calmer, drier spell” over the weekend and into next week as Christmas approaches.

In the days up to Christmas Eve, it says there is the potential for a “return to unsettled conditions and typically average temperatures”.

Although the Met Office says the chance of snow and ice increases into the New Year period, it adds “on balance conditions are more likely to remain generally mild and wet”.

December started with a festive feel in the UK with cold temperatures and snow and ice in some areas.

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