The United Kingdom is bracing for a barrage of severe weather as it transitions into the new year, with a rare amber weather warning issued for heavy rain across a swathe of central and northern England. This amber alert, effective from 8 PM on New Year’s Eve until 9 AM on New Year’s Day, signifies a potential risk to life due to the anticipated “persistent and, at times, heavy rain” which could lead to fast-flowing or deep floodwater. The affected regions encompass parts of Derbyshire, Blackburn, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and North, South, and West Yorkshire. Cheshire and South Yorkshire are also expected to experience several hours of heavy downpours. This severe weather warning comes in conjunction with over 130 flood warnings issued across the UK, underscoring the potential for widespread disruption and danger.
The Met Office forecasts significant rainfall, with 40-50mm expected across a wide area and 50-100mm in western hilly regions. Furthermore, some isolated areas could see over 100mm of rainfall, exacerbating the risk of flooding. The amber warning specifically highlights the “likely” flooding of homes and businesses, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Adding to the complexity of the weather scenario are additional yellow warnings issued for various parts of the UK. These include warnings for rain in Wales and northwest England, wind in northeastern England, Cumbria, and southern Scotland, and snow in the rest of Scotland. This combination of severe weather elements poses a significant challenge for residents and authorities alike.
The impact of the adverse weather is already being felt, with TransPennine Express urging passengers to avoid travel before noon due to flooding causing “significant issues” in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. In Scotland, the amber alert specifically mentions a “good chance” of communities being cut off by flooded roads, coupled with the possibility of power cuts and disruptions to other essential services. The Scottish government has reacted proactively by convening a meeting of its emergency and crisis response unit to address the potential risks. Western Scotland is expected to receive up to 140mm of rain, while other regions brace for snowfall. This multifaceted weather event necessitates careful planning and preparedness for potential disruptions.
Beyond the immediate threat of heavy rain and flooding, the UK faces further challenges from strong winds. Gusts of up to 60mph are predicted across northern England, the Midlands, and Wales, accompanied by blustery showers, until mid-afternoon. Travel disruption and other hazards are likely to persist in these areas until 11 PM. While the storms are expected to weaken as they move southwards, bringing lighter showers to the southwest and southeast in the evening, a brief respite will be followed by another major storm hitting the UK on New Year’s Day. This unrelenting succession of severe weather events highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.
Yellow weather alerts have also been issued for “very strong winds” across all of England from 9 AM on New Year’s Day until 6 AM the following day. Gusts of 65-75mph are expected around coastal and hilly areas, particularly in the south and west, while inland areas could experience gusts of 50-60mph. Heavy rain is forecast to impact western regions in the morning, persisting throughout the day, before reaching northern England and southern Scotland in the late afternoon. In Wales, the heavy rain has prompted a yellow alert, with “likely” flooding of homes and businesses in some areas, alongside the possibility of power cuts, road flooding, and public transport disruption.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Andy Page has emphasized the complexity of the weather situation, noting the combination of snow, strong winds, and heavy rain affecting various parts of the UK. With almost the entire country under at least one weather warning, he stresses the potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas. Given the numerous New Year celebrations and increased travel activity, the Met Office urges everyone to regularly check the forecast and adjust their plans accordingly. This proactive approach is essential to ensure safety and minimize disruption during this period of challenging weather conditions.
