As the UK prepares to ring in the New Year, many of the planned celebrations have been cancelled due to severe weather warnings. Almost the entire country is covered by at least one Met Office warning, with high winds and rainfall expected to cause transport delays. Some areas may also experience snowfall, while parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England may witness the Northern Lights if weather conditions allow.
Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, one of the biggest New Year’s Eve events in the country, have been called off out of concern for the public’s safety. Firework displays have also been cancelled in Blackpool, Newcastle, the Isle of Wight and Ripon in North Yorkshire. Hogmanay’s organisers, Unique Assembly, have extended their apologies to tourists from abroad who may have travelled to Edinburgh specifically for the festivities. Scotland’s Culture Secretary has stated that this was the right decision, given the current weather forecast.
London’s mayor has confirmed that the capital’s firework display will continue as planned, despite worries about the weather. Celebrities and members of the public alike are anticipated to attend what is usually one of the most famous and significant New Year’s Eve displays in the world. Meanwhile, Manchester’s event has been moved to the top of the city’s central library and will proceed as planned. Although the rest of the city may face inclement weather, Pat Karney, Councillor for Manchester City Council, believes that locals are sure to turn up in “their nearest and dearest”.
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the White Bridge, Stock Lane and River Rothay in the Lake District. Even for those not affected by floods, transport disruption is a concern in many areas. Transport for Wales and London North Eastern Railway have advised passengers to check beforehand, while Northern Ireland’s Translink has warned passengers that some services could be cancelled or delayed at short notice. Meanwhile, certain routes in Scotland are impacted due to speed restrictions, such as the Kyle of Lochalsh to Perth, Inverness Services to Perth, and Perth to Stirling.
The main message for those celebrating is to practice caution, especially given the weather warnings. The EA has recommended that people stay away from rivers, particularly when swollen, and avoid driving through floodwater. Stefan Laeger, manager of the agency’s dedicated flood service, stated that just “30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car”. What was intended to ring in a joyous and hopeful New Year may be rather different this year, but residents and visitors alike will hope that the weather warnings prove to be unnecessarily dire
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