With the Met Office issuing extensive yellow and amber warnings for most of Wales and southern England, the UK is being battered by severe weather as it ushers in 2025. The warnings last into Wednesday morning; inconveniences are predicted from winds of up to 75mph. Furthermore, snow and ice warnings have been announced for northern Scotland; 109 flood warnings have been applied throughout the nation. The extreme weather has already caused significant cancellements and delays—including those influencing New Year’s Eve celebrations.
How can the severe weather forecast disrupt travel plans?
After New Year’s Eve activities were canceled throughout the UK, the adverse severe weather conditions followed closely and caused significant travel difficulties. Many additional activities were canceled due to safety issues related to the bad weather, even when celebrations in Manchester and London managed to go forward.
Strong winds have caused the Met Office to issue a “slight chance” warning about building damage and power disruptions. These gusts might be as strong as 75mph, aggravating the difficult circumstances even further.
Until early Wednesday, a yellow warning for snow and rain covering the Highland and Moray is in force. Forecasters have said that “blizzard conditions are possible” in the extreme northern parts of Sutherland and Caithness.
Why have flood warnings been issued while rivers overflow?
Mainly focused in the North West, the Environment Agency (EA) has issued 67 flood warnings for England. For northern Wales, another ten warnings have been issued; for areas of Scotland, thirty-two. In certain places, melting snow and heavy rain cause rivers to overflow, triggering major flooding concerns.
Which national travel services have been canceled or delayed?
Travel companies throughout the UK have been greatly affected as the heavy storms keep causing damage. Warning: some services could be delayed or canceled at short notice; Transport for Wales and London North Eastern Railway have advised customers to get updates before leaving.
Translink Northern Ireland has also recommended that visitors be informed online in case of last-minute problems.
Speed restrictions have affected several routes in Scotland. Particularly affected have been Inverness to Perth, the Kyle of Lochalsh services, and routes from Perth to Stirling and Edinburgh to Inverness. Flooding in some areas of Yorkshire has also caused delays in Northern services.
How did celebrations go ahead through the storm?
Thousands assembled along the Embankment in London to see the fantastic New Year’s Eve fireworks show over the Thames at midnight despite the intense storms. Though the weather presented some difficulties, the event—live televised to audiences worldwide—went off without incident.
New Year’s Eve festivities in Manchester were likewise subdued. The traditional fireworks show of the city was relocated to the roof of the central library so that celebrants may safely ring in the new year.
However, the intense storms caused several significant events to be canceled. Safety concerns resulting from the strong winds caused the famous Hogmanay activities in Edinburgh—including the street party and midnight fireworks display—to be called off. Angus Robertson, the Culture Secretary for Scotland, clarified that the right course of action was canceling the event.
“We apologize to the international visitors who traveled to Edinburgh for what would have been a world-renowned celebration,” Robertson added. “Safety of those attending the event must always come first.”
Why Were High Winds Cancellation of Other Celebrations Called For?
Major New Year’s Eve celebrations were also called off elsewhere. The unsafe conditions caused Blackpool, Newcastle, the Isle of Wight, and Ripon in North Yorkshire to cancel their firework displays. Notably, the Blackpool display was called off because of strong winds. Still, some Blackpool festivities took place, including a projection display to signal the arrival of 2025.
“We’re happy to report that other celebrations in the town, including the projections, went ahead as planned,” said a spokesman for the event. “The decision was made to cancel the fireworks display as a precautionary measure.”
While many had their plans thrown off by these concealments, some saved their festivities by attending different activities or staying indoors. At the same time, the lousy weather kept wreaking havoc throughout the UK.
People are advised to stay alert and ready for more disturbances throughout the nation as the heavy storms are expected to last into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
