Christmas Storms to Disrupt Travel for Millions

Storms approaching Britain from the Atlantic Ocean could disrupt holiday travels for millions.

22:18 23 December 2015

Less than a week before Christmas, weather warnings have been issued for large areas of Britain, including flood-hit Cumbria and Scotland.

 

Hundreds of passengers have been evacuated from Gatwick amid storms and torrential rain across the country, disrupting Christmas getaway for millions of people.

 

The volume of cars on the road has also increased due to the Christmas break and high street sales.

 

Pete Williams, a spokesman for the RAC, said: 'It is set to get busy on the roads this weekend as UK drivers are expected to stagger the usual Christmas getaway.

 

'While our figures show that Christmas Eve will, as expected, be the busiest day on the roads with over four million cars travelling for the holidays. The Christmas getaway will start in earnest this Friday.'

 

Meanwhile, a travel organisation said that four million people from the UK are expected to travel abroad during the holidays. The Association of British Travel Agents predicts that December 18, 23, and 30 will be the busiest dates for those traveling abroad for the holidays.

 

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: 'Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest times of the year for travelling and holiday-taking and we will see large numbers heading off in the next few days.

 

'Hundreds of thousands will be flying off to visit friends and families but millions will also be heading overseas for winter sun or snow. Many will also be looking to welcome in the New Year in cities around the world which really know how to throw a party.'