All manner of unpleasantries could be on their way to hit Brits – including snow and 70mph winds – leading to a number of weather warnings to be issued around the UK
The parts of the UK expected to be hit with the worst weather throughout New Year’s Eve have been revealed. There have been widespread concerns about the impact the weather could have on celebrations around the country – with some fearing the famous London fireworks display could be affected.
All manner of unpleasantries could be on their way – including snow and 70mph winds – leading to a number of weather warnings to be issued around the UK. In total the national forecaster has given five yellow warnings and one amber. The majority of the warnings were put in place from this morning (December 31), although one, which predominantly affects Wales and the northwest of England, is valid from 6pm tonight.
The terrible conditions have already seen a number of NYE events scrapped – including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations with organisers citing “extreme weather”.
Meanwhile, London’s City hall is said to be “monitoring” developments with winds of 41mpg expected and rain due late into the evening.
Meanwhile, Blackpool Council said it had taken the “tough decision” to cancel its fireworks display tonight. And a statement from Blackpool Council added: “Due to the forecast of high winds tomorrow evening, we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the fireworks display this year.”
A spokesman for Unique Assembly, which operates the Hogmanay festival, said: “We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions.
“Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.
“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the Home of Hogmanay.”
The South of England is one of the few parts of the country that escapes the weather warnings, while the worst of things are expected in Scotland – including the amber warning. There are yellow wind warnings in Northern Ireland and the North of England for wind while now warnings have been issued for Scotland including the Orkney and Shetland Isles.
Cordelia Menmuir, Sepa’s duty flood manager, said: “Extremely high water levels are expected in Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities.”
Delays to transport are expected on New Year’s Day.
Senior Met Office forecaster Craig Snell added: “Moving into New Year’s Eve, another system moves in from the Atlantic, again, Scotland bearing the brunt of this one with some further heavy rain and snow and strong winds.
“The winds also picking up for Northern Ireland and northern England through New Year’s Eve as well, with rain arriving into that part of the world – basically quite an unsettled last day of the year for the northern half of the UK.”
“To the south, we will see some rain later on New Year’s Eve, but it shouldn’t cause too many problems, apart from if you’re out celebrating – you might get a bit damp.”