By Courtney Spamer, AccuWeather meteorologist
By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist
December 21,2016, 9:41:52AM,EST
Storm Barbara will target the United Kingdom from Friday into Friday night, causing widespread disruptions to early Christmas travel and plans.
There is also the potential for a second windstorm to slam the region on Christmas Day.
Each of these storms will hit with winds at or above 50 mph (80 km/h). Rainy spells are expected, with a mix of snow in the northern hills, during the Christmas weekend.
The first windstorm, named Barbara, will arrive on Friday. The current track of the storm puts the northern U.K. at risk for the heaviest rain, strongest winds and greatest impacts to travel.
Fluctuating temperatures will bring wintry spells to the hills of Scotland. While rain can mix in or fall for a time, cold shots following each storm could allow substantial snow to settle.
Gusty winds will make it feel even colder as AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will be significantly lower than the actual temperature through the holiday weekend.
"The rain and wind from Barbara will bring the potential for major transport delays around this busy travel time," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.
Although the northern part of the U.K. will face the brunt of the storm, flight delays across the country could trickle to other parts of Europe into Christmas Day.
Rail service could also be disrupted due to the strong winds and heavy rain. Tree damage and power cuts are likely as well.
Spells of heavier rain are possible as the damp weather spreads across the United Kingdom. Even if flooding does not ensue, any downpours will create issues for motorists by reducing visibility and heightening the risk of vehicles aquaplaning when traveling at motorway speeds.
Storm Barbara could deliver wind gusts over 75 mph (120 km/h) in the northern U.K., creating further travel hazards.
As the winds howl, bridges could be closed, and seas will build to dangerous heights.
"Waves in the Atlantic, from northern Scotland to the coasts of Northern Ireland, are projected to top out at 9 meters (around 30 feet)," Roys said.
Seas of this magnitude are likely to halt ferry service for a time.
A slight improvement in the weather is expected on Saturday as wind and rain ease and Barbara moves to the northeast.
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The next storm will aim at the U.K. on Christmas Day, not allowing for much of a break following Barbara. The center of this storm looks to track just to the north of the Isles, putting the northern U.K. at the greatest risk for storm impacts.
Odds currently do not favor widespread flooding, but isolated issues may arise. That is especially true in North West England and western Scotland, where the saturated ground from Barbara may be more susceptible to flooding.
While still unnamed, the second storm still has the potential to become a named windstorm later this week, taking the name "Conor."
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