New Year celebrations overshadowed by weather warnings in Britain

New Year’s Eve events have been canceled across the UK as the country grapples with high winds, heavy rain and snow.

Most of the UK is under at least one Met Office weather warning until Wednesday.

Forecasters have warned that transport delays are “likely” as strong winds could reach speeds of up to 70mph in parts of England and Northern Ireland.

Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh Already canceled due to public safety concernsAs do fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, the Isle of Wight and Ripon in North Yorkshire.

Hogmanay organisers, Unique Assembly, have apologized to international tourists who visited Edinburgh for the street party and midnight fireworks display.

Angus Robertson, Scotland’s culture secretary, said canceling the festival was “undoubtedly” the right decision.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’m really sorry for everyone traveling, but I think given the weather forecast – in some parts of the country it’s really bad – it’s best to go ahead. That’s not right.” ,

A fireworks display in Blackpool was canceled due to expected high winds. Other events in the city will go ahead, including a projection show to mark the beginning of 2025.

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said the capital’s fireworks display would go ahead at midnight despite weather concerns.

Darryl Fleming, who runs the company in charge of the display, said his team is “keen to deliver the full show”.

Celebrations in Manchester will also go ahead as planned, with its fireworks display moved to the top of the city’s central library.

Manchester City Council’s designated New Year spokesperson, Councilor Pat Carney, said: “Mancunians know that when it’s a bit cold and wet you have to dress warm, but we’re looking forward to meeting everyone tonight.

“All you need are your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab them and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”

In some parts of the country, the New Year can be welcomed with nature’s own fireworks – the Northern Lights.

The Met Office said its colorful auroras could be visible over Scotland, Northern Ireland and possibly northern England “depending on cloud cover”.

Weather warnings across the UK include:

• On New Year’s Eve, an amber warning for rain is in place across the Highlands and Moray until 17:00 GMT
• A yellow warning for snow and rain remains in place in the Highlands and Moray until 04:00
• A yellow warning for wind has been in place for central and southern Scotland and parts of northern England from 07:00 to 23:00, as well as covering most of Northern Ireland from 06:00 to 14:00. A separate wind warning has been issued for.
• A yellow warning for rain is in effect for much of Wales and north-west England until 11:00am Wednesday
• Yellow warning for snowfall in Orkney and Shetland until midnight

In the Highlands, forecasters warned that “blizzard conditions are possible”, particularly in the far northern areas of Sutherland and Caithness.

The Environment Agency (EA) issued a flood warning for the River Rothe at Grasmere, White Bridge and Stock Lane in the Lake District. This is the only flood warning in England.

Travel disruptions were expected in some parts of the country due to inclement weather conditions.

Transport for Wales and London North Eastern Railway warned that some services could be delayed or canceled at short notice.

Northern Ireland’s TransLink advised passengers to check online before travelling.

A number of routes in Scotland have been affected due to speed restrictions, including Inverness services to Perth and Kyle of Lochalsh; Perth to Stirling; and from Edinburgh to Inverness.

EA warned those traveling or celebrating on New Year’s Eve to be “especially careful”.

The agency’s flood duty manager Stéphane Leger urged people to “stay away from swollen rivers and not drive through flood water as only 30 cm of flowing water is enough to drive your car”.