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Experts have issued a severe weather warning for North Wales over the Christmas weekend as Storm Barbara prepares to strike.

Wild storms are predicted to begin on Friday, December 23, with Met Office officials warning that gusts of up to 70mph could blast the region.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind for Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey.

The alert comes into force from 9am on December 23 until 9am on Christmas Eve.

Coastal areas including Holyhead and Amlwch are expected to be the worst hit with gusts expected to hit at least 61mph at around noon on December 23.

Weather warnings have also been issued for other parts of the UK with winds expected to reach 90mph in Scotland.

A Met Office spokesman said: “A spell of very strong south to southwesterly winds is expected to develop on Friday. Gusts of 60 to 70mph are likely quite widely, with westerly winds gusting to 80-90 mph likely across parts of western and northern Scotland later on Friday and overnight into Saturday.

“Winds will then moderate on Saturday morning.”

(Image: The Met Office)

Forecasters are urging people to brace themselves for damage which may be caused by the gales which could bring trees crashing down.

They are also warning power supplies could be disrupted and the region’s roads and ferry services may be affected.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Be aware of the potential for some structural damage - this more likely across the northwest of the warning area - as well as disruption to power supplies and travel, with restrictions on bridges and disruption to ferries.”

The wet and windy weather, which is as a result of a succession of deep Atlantic low pressure systems, gets underway today with heavy rain expected to hit this afternoon.

The unsettled weather will continue through Thursday with another low pressure system bringing some stormy weather for Friday.

(Image: The Met Office)

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Martin Young said: “The exact track and impact of this system is still uncertain but very strong winds and some heavy rain are expected. At the moment it looks like northern and western areas will be worst affected. However this situation could change.

“The disturbed conditions look like continuing through Christmas weekend with the chance another vigorous low pressure system may head our way. Therefore it is worth staying up to date with the latest forecasts.”

Met Office officials say it is “unlikely” snow will fall in the region on Christmas Day.

A Met Office spokesman said: “It will be wet and windy across the UK and North Wales on Christmas Day.

“It will be around 12C in Holyhead on December 25 so it is looking rather unlikely for snow.

“However, we will be monitoring the conditions in the run-up and we’ll have a much clearer picture as we get nearer to the day.”