Cold health alert and weather warnings issued for parts of UK on Christmas Day

Weather warnings and a cold health alert have been issued for parts of the UK on Christmas Day - as forecasters said those hoping for a white Christmas are likely to be disappointed.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the yellow alert for the South West of England from 6pm on 25 December to midday on 27 December.

The alert warns of a "greater risk to life of vulnerable people", as well as an "increased use of healthcare services" among that group.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind in the South West and Wales, with the forecaster warning of potential disruption due to strong, gusty winds from 4am until midnight.

Wind speeds of 45-55mph are expected, with highs of 65mph in coastal regions.

"Given the more unusual wind direction, this may lead to some disruption to transport and power supplies," the Met Office said, adding that "large waves will be an additional hazard on some coasts".

Blustery conditions have already prompted the cancellation of numerous swimming events planned for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Organisers of the Coverack swim in Cornwall said the annual event has been postponed until New Year's Day to ensure everyone's safety, while the Start Bay Inn, in Devon, said it was "really sad" to announce its Boxing Day swim had been cancelled due to rough seas.

Elsewhere in the country, temperatures are expected to peak around 7C in the North East of England and 6C in the South East.

Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said it was "highly unlikely" the UK will see a white Christmas this year, adding: "We've got a very dry picture across the UK over the next few days."

Travellers warned get 'road ready'

The switch to colder weather may also lead to a rise in breakdowns on the road, the RAC has warned.

It says for those still planning to travel drivers should ensure their vehicles are "road ready" before setting off, which includes "checking tyres are free of damage; have plenty of tread and are properly inflated; and ensuring oil and coolant levels are correct; headlights are adjusted according to the load being carried".

Travel disruption was felt on the road and rail on Christmas Eve, when an expected 4.2 million people travelled by car for festive getaways, according to the RAC.

A fatal collision on the London-bound M2, between junctions 5 and 4 - near the Medway services - caused the road to close just after midday.

A 20-year-old woman from the Faversham area was pronounced dead at the scene, Kent Police said.

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From Christmas Eve until 4 January, the M27 will also be closed completely in both directions from Junction 9 at Whiteley to Junction 11 at Fareham East until 4am on 4 January.

The closure will affect journeys between Southampton and Portsmouth - a signed diversion via the A27 will be in place but delays are expected between 10am and 4pm daily.

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