UK weather forecast: Drivers warned of flash flooding as wind and rain hits during Christmas getaway

Motorists have been warned of flash flooding as rain continues to pound parts of the UK over the busy Christmas-getaway period.

The Met Office told drivers to be aware of downpours and standing water as up to 90mm of rain was to fall before the end of the week.

Strong winds are expected to batter coastal areas with gusts reaching speeds of up to 70mph as weather alerts were issued.

A yellow warning for strong winds in south western Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the west coast of England and Wales was in place overnight until 3am on Thursday.

The wind alert intersects a yellow rain warning covering all of Cornwall and the south of England that is in force until 12pm on Friday.

Although the weather has been mild this festive season, Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gunderson thinks we could see a cold snap just in time for Christmas morning.

"At the moment there are signs for a drier, quieter spell of weather just in time for the Christmas period, with the potential for colder temperatures making things feel a little more festive," he said.

Not everywhere has experienced unseasonably warm weather - Balmoral Castle was picture-perfect after snowfall in the Highlands earlier this week.

Parts of Yorkshire and Northumberland were also coated in white.

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