The Met Office has today issued several weather warnings, including for snow, rain and wind as it assess the forecast for New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and into 2025
Several weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office – including one for up to 25cm of snow on New Year’s Day.
From tomorrow, there is now at least one weather warning in place every day up to and including Thursday. They concern rain, snow and wind, with the most widespread disruption likely on New Year’s Day.
The Met Office says around 20-25cm of snow will fall over hills with significant drifting due to strong winds on Wednesday. Snow is likely as far south as Derbyshire as a cold wind sweeps in from the Arctic.
“Heavy and persistent snow may bring disruption on Wednesday and Wednesday night,” the Met Office says. Power cuts are possible and some rural communities, particularly across the Peak District, Lake District and North York Moors, could become cut off.
Up to 80mm of rain will fall elsewhere, notably across Wales, on New Year’s Day. This could lead to more flooding with communities across south Wales already feeling the impact of last month’s downpours associated with Storm Bert.
Heavy snow is now likely across most of Scotland, most of Northeast England, parts of Northwest England, parts of Yorkshire & Humber and the northern tip of Derbyshire in the East Midlands.
The snow warnings do not expire until 3am on Thursday, by which time wind will also be a concern. The Met Office adds: “Gusts of 65-75 mph are likely around coasts and hills, especially in the south and west, with 50-60 mph gusts likely fairly widely inland.”
Gales are expected throughout the country on Wednesday and Thursday. Winds will also be particularly strong on New Year’s Eve – but not as widespread, with Northern Ireland, Lancashire and Cumbria to bear the brunt of the conditions.
In reference to the winds, the weather service says: “Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely. It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves. Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.”
