A CHRISTMAS Day weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for the West Somerset and Wellington areas as wind from an ‘unusual direction’ is set to hit the Westcountry.

The yellow alert comes into force at 4 am and lasts until midnight with strong winds forecast to sweep across much of the region.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “We all know what we would like for Christmas, but those who may yearn for a ‘White Christmas’ will remain disappointed.

“With high pressure continuing to dominate the UK forecast, a period of colder and more settled conditions will prevail, accentuated by a brisk easterly wind across England and Wales.

“The cold wind will be particularly notable across Wales and southern England, with gusts in excess of 50 mph possible in the most exposed areas.

“A Yellow wind warning has been issued for Christmas Day for parts of Wales and the South West of England.”

The spokesperson said inland areas were likely to experience east to northeasterly winds gusting to 45 mph to 55 mph during Christmas Day, while the coastal areas could see 55 mph to 65 mph gusts.

They said: “Given the more unusual wind direction, this may lead to some disruption to transport and power supplies.

“Large waves will be an additional hazard on some coasts.

“If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves.

“Even from the shore, breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

“Take care if walking near cliffs, know your route, and keep dogs on a lead.”

Somerset Council’s severe weather emergency provision (SWEP) has been activated to make sure rough sleepers can access emergency accommodation over Christmas and New Year.

Cold weather during the festive season means the council is seeking to provide emergency accommodation for those sleeping rough to prevent harm or death due to the severe weather.

The SWEP response is used by many local authorities when there is a forecast temperature of zero degrees or below.

Severe weather also includes heat waves, high winds, and flooding.

Outreach teams are currently contacting rough sleepers in Somerset to encourage them to take up the offer of emergency accommodation and will offer additional support for anybody continuing to sleep rough during SWEP.

SWEP in Somerset aims to ensure that nobody dies on the streets and that every effort is made to engage individuals with support.

A council spokesperson said: “Please help to spread the message that suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather over this Christmas and New Year season.

“Please check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours as early as possible.”

More information about SWEP can be found here, and while anybody concerned that somebody is rough sleeping in Somerset during the severe weather should visit Street Link to refer them, so they can access to suitable accommodation.