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New Year’s is being celebrated across world – but events in the UK have been cancelled due to bad weather.
Millions of revellers fear a New Year’s Eve washout as storms heading south look set to wreak havoc, with weather warnings issued for nearly every part of the country.
Heavy rain, snowstorms, 70 mph gales and even landslides are causing travel disruption, flooding and celebration cancellations.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events have already been cancelled, while London’s City Hall has said it is “closely monitoring” the weather, with thousands expected to flock to Big Ben for the capital’s fireworks display despite the 41mph gusts expected.
Rising river levels have led to closures of the Dalguise viaduct lines as the Highland Main Line remains closed in Kingussie.
A Network Rail Scotland spokesman said they were dealing with 15 flooding incidents on the Far North Line and a landslip near Brora.
Do not travel warnings have been issued with rivers feared to burst their banks in other areas of Scotland before storms sweep southward over New Year’s Eve.
Three days of warnings are in place with heavy rain turning to blusters of snow showers on Wednesday, which will continue through the night in Scotland.
All outdoor events planned for Edinburgh’s New Year were cancelled due to bad weather (Andy Buchanan/PA Wire)
People sheltering from the rain on the street of Edinburgh after the bad weather forced the cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events (Andy Buchanan/PA Wire)
Princess Street Gardens Christmas market in Edinburgh after the street party and fireworks display planned for the city’s New Year were cancelled (Andy Buchanan/PA Wire)
Tara Cobham31 December 2024 17:57
A status yellow rain warning is in place for Cork and Kerry and Met Eireann has predicted a drop in temperature as the country celebrates the new year.
The forecaster has warned that 2025 will bring a cold snap, with temperatures expected to plunge as low as -4C by Thursday.
Cork and Kerry will remain under a status yellow rain warning, which will continue until 6am on Wednesday.
Persistent rain is expected to cause localised flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.
On New Year’s Day, the rain is expected to gradually clear to the south-east.
The forecaster said that brighter conditions and scattered showers will follow from the north-west for the afternoon.
Met Eireann meteorologist Mark Bowe said: “The low moving over on Tuesday will bring significant winds to the north-west but rain will be widespread and rather heavy at times too which could lead to spot flooding.”
The forecaster went on to explain that the weather on Wednesday will prove to be a lot more significant with more rain and very strong and blustery winds for all areas.
Mr Bowe continued: “We are currently tracking the development of the low pressure system expected for Wednesday with potentially some very impactful winds across western and southern areas.”
Tara Cobham31 December 2024 17:35
People in some parts of the UK may have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve, the Met Office said.
People in the east of Scotland, north-east England and Northern Ireland could be treated to sightings of the natural phenomenon, also known as aurora borealis, as they celebrate the new year.
A spokesman said areas of Scotland should have the “best chances” at seeing the Northern Lights.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “Although the solar conditions are set fair to see the northern lights, unfortunately the meteorological conditions are not that helpful.
“Scotland should provide the best chances but with unsettled conditions dominating it will be hard to get a guaranteed view.
“Perhaps the best areas may be those along the eastern coast of Scotland.”
The forecaster said cloud coverage could “hamper any sightings” but added there could be spells of clear skies from about 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday.
Some areas may only see the lights temporarily after the weather service issued an amber warning for rain in the Highlands and Moray until 5pm and a yellow warning for rain and snow for parts of northern and western Scotland.
The Northern Lights previously seen in an incredible display in the skies over Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland (PA Wire)
Tara Cobham31 December 2024 17:25
People watch waves crashing in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force and are expected to cause travel issues on New Year’s Eve.
(Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
(Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
(Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Barney Davis31 December 2024 16:30
ScotRail has told travellers that the Far North route between Wick and Thurso will be “closed for at least the remainder of today” due to “multiple flooding issues along the line”.
No trains will run on 1 January, in common with other ScotRail services, which means the Wick-Thurso line will be out of action until 2 January at the earliest.
“As bus companies have stated that road conditions are too hazardous here, we’re unable to supply bus replacements along this route,” ScotRail said.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this, but safety must come first.
”Tickets dated for travel today, will be valid for use on either Thursday 2 or Friday 3 January 2025.“
Simon Calder31 December 2024 16:00
(Paul Campbell/PA Wire)
(Paul Campbell/PA Wire)
(Paul Campbell/PA Wire)
Barney Davis31 December 2024 15:45
Network Rail have said lines along the Dalguise viaduct “have now risen past the safe limit for trains to run”.
Barney Davis31 December 2024 14:30
The wet and windy weather has led to traditional New Year’s Day swims to be called off across Wales.
The mayor of Newport in Pembrokeshire took to social media to announce the town’s event would be cancelled, adding: “As the tide will be out we would have to swim from the beach and the wind and gusts have made it too dangerous.”
Hundreds of people took part in the annual New Year’s Day charity swim on Bray seafront in Co Wicklow (PA Wire)
Barney Davis31 December 2024 13:46
The iconic Forth Road Bridge was open to cars only on Tuesday morning, while the snow gates are closed on the A939 between Tomintoul and Cock Bridge.
CalMac Ferries said several services on the west coast of Scotland had been cancelled with others subject to disruption.
Further south, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said all Tuesday’s sailings between Heysham and Douglas have been cancelled.
Forth Road Bridge (Robin McKelvie)
Barney Davis31 December 2024 13:20