Severe rain and strong winds disrupted much of Britain on Tuesday, with forecasts warning of potential snowstorms in Scotland.
Adverse weather conditions have led organizers to cancel numerous planned New Year’s Eve events across the country.The UK Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings covering nearly all parts of the United Kingdom from Monday through Wednesday. Scotland is under alerts for snow and rain across much of its territory.
Meteorologists predict that strong winds could disrupt travel on New Year’s Eve, with gusts expected to reach up to 113 kilometers per hour in parts of England and Northern Ireland. Wind warnings remain in effect for areas of southern and central Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland. A rain warning will take effect Tuesday at 6 p.m. local time for most of Wales and northwest England. Meanwhile, Shetland and Orkney Islands are under a snow warning until midnight.
In Edinburgh, unfavorable weather conditions forced the cancellation of traditional outdoor celebrations. Similar cancellations include planned fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, the Isle of Wight, and Ripon in North Yorkshire. London authorities are closely monitoring weather forecasts as they decide whether celebrations in the capital can proceed.
In Scotland’s Highlands, the risk of severe flooding has decreased according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. However, the Met Office continues to warn that some areas could still face snowstorms.
“Snowstorms are most likely at higher altitudes and across much of Sutherland and Caithness,” the Met Office stated. “Icing on power lines is also possible in areas affected by snow.”
Warnings for strong winds and rain will remain in place through Wednesday. Winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour across much of England and Wales, with coastal areas and hills potentially experiencing gusts of up to 75 kilometers per hour, according to DPA.
