Strong winds are disrupting the start of the Christmas getaway for millions of people.

Train services across large parts of Britain are being affected by Storm Pia as fallen trees and other debris damage overhead power lines and block tracks.

TransPennine Express urged passengers to avoid travelling to or from Edinburgh all day on Thursday, and to only make journeys to and from Carlisle and Manchester, Liverpool and Preston after 3pm.

The RAC estimated 13.5 million leisure journeys by car will take place across the UK between Friday and Sunday, up 20% on the three days before Christmas Day last year.

Road congestion is likely to peak on Friday – the last working day before Christmas Day – as drivers embarking on leisure trips compete for road space with commuters and business traffic.

Motorists are being advised to travel before 11am or after 6pm if possible to reduce the chance of being stuck in long queues.

Likely traffic hotspots on the M25 identified by transport analysis company Inrix include clockwise between junction 7 (for the M23/Gatwick Airport) and junction 16 (for the M40/Birmingham), and anti-clockwise between junction 17 (Rickmansworth) and junction 12 (for the M3).

Other motorway stretches expected to be the scene of long queues include the M1 north from Woburn, Bedfordshire, to Daventry, Northamptonshire, and the M6 south from Wigan, Greater Manchester, to Stafford, Staffordshire.

National Highways said it has removed more than 1,000 miles of roadworks on England’s motorways and major A-roads, meaning 98% of its network will be free of cones over the festive period.

RAC spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: “Strong winds will make many Christmas getaway trips more challenging this week, especially those made in the north of the UK.

“Drivers will need to be on high alert for fallen branches, and even trees, along with other debris as they head to and from motorways and major roads.

“While windy conditions tend not to cause a spike in breakdown volumes, going over debris can lead to more punctures and other, more serious damage to vehicles.

“Drivers need to be very conscious of the buffeting effect of high winds, particularly in exposed areas.

“High-sided vehicles are obviously at risk of being blown off course, but car drivers can also be affected as they pass lorries on the motorway and then are suddenly hit by gusts on the other side.

“The best advice is to always keep two hands on the wheel and be even more aware of the vehicles around you.”

Network Rail is preparing to launch its festive engineering works, which will cause disruption to journeys.

London Paddington will be closed between Sunday and December 27, meaning no mainline trains will serve Heathrow Airport during that period.

London King’s Cross will also be closed on Christmas Eve.

Outside of the capital, an engineering project near Southampton will cause some disruption to services, as will work to build the new Cambridge South station.

Network Rail said 96% of the rail network will remain open as normal but it is carrying out “some significant projects”.

It added that engineering work is planned to “target the quietest times” to minimise disruption.

No trains will operate on Christmas Day, while a very limited service will run on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile millions are people are heading to airports to catch flights to spend Christmas overseas.

Travel trade organisation Abta said the most popular destinations are the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Dubai, southern mainland Spain and Turkey, highlighting the demand for winter sun trips.

Friday will be the busiest day for departures over the festive period, while Christmas Day will be the quietest.

Heathrow Airport expects 6.5 million passengers to travel through its terminals this month.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Christmas and new year are always very busy times for travel and this year will be no exception, with large numbers heading overseas looking to spend quality time with loved ones.

“Abta members are pleased to be able to make people’s Christmas holiday wishes come true – whether they’re seeking winter sun or guaranteed snow and the chance for everyone in the family to relax and enjoy the festivities to the full.

“Roads and public transport will as always be very busy, so please leave a little extra time to get to your departure port and avoid unnecessary stress and worry.”