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75mph winds, heavy rain and snow predicted as multiple weather warnings in place

Met Office warns of heavy rain and potential snow plus strong winds for parts of the country

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The Met Office has issued further weather warnings across the UK, with a band of snow, heavy rain and 75mph winds all forecast for the New Year.

A yellow weather warning for snow is in effect from midnight on Monday until 11:59pm on Tuesday across Scotland, with up to 140mm of rain and 20cm of snow possible in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.

Due to the heavy rain, the forecaster said there will be “significant disruption” in the build-up to Hogmanay.

Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Neil Armstrong said: “From Sunday we will start to see some heavy rain affecting northwestern parts of Scotland.

“After a brief respite… this may be accompanied by some heavy snowfall in the mountains and perhaps to lower elevations.”

Weather warnings in place for Monday (Photo: Met Office)

A separate yellow warning for wind will be put in place in the northwest of England on Monday from 11am to 6pm. The warning covers areas including Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

Gusts of up to 60mph could cause power cuts and further travel disruption, the Met Office has warned.

A Met Office spokesperson added that: “Strong winds may exacerbate impacts, particularly across the areas of Scotland affected by snow.

“Blizzard conditions are possible, especially over high ground and across much of Sutherland and Caithness. Powerline icing is possible where blizzard conditions occur.”

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has urged people in the North West and Central Highlands to “be prepared, be aware” of flooding.

Pascal Lardet, Sepa flood duty manager at the organisation, said: “If you live or work in the affected areas, or are planning to visit, think about any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts – and consider whether your journey is necessary.”

High river levels are forecast for Monday and Tuesday in the Spey in particular as well as other rivers in the Great Glen and Easter Ross area.

Levels on the River Tay and other rivers across the Central Highlands are also predicted to be high.

Mr Lardet said there are likely to be river and surface water flooding impacts across these areas, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities.

He added: “Flooding of property, infrastructure, roads and the rail network are all possible. We urge everyone to be prepared and be aware.”

Residents and those travelling through the affected areas have been asked to check Sepa’s Scottish Flood Forecast, which also uses data from the Met Office.

Conditions toward New Year’s Eve are expected to remain unsettled, with two additional yellow weather warnings into 1 January 2025.

In Northern Ireland, a warning for winds of up-to 70mph is in place from 6am until 7pm on 31 December, before a warning for “heavy and persistent snow” comes into place the next morning until later that evening.

Up to 20cm of snow may cover areas of higher ground while strong winds have the potential to “exacerbate impacts”, creating “blizzard conditions” which could freeze powerlines.

Winds of up to 75mph are expected in some areas on Wednesday (Photo: Met Office)
Multiple weather warnings have been issued for New Year’s Eve (Photo: Met Office)

An additional yellow weather warning for England is in place for wind, with gusts of 65-75mph in place from 9am on New Year’s Day, until 6am on 2 January.

The worst affected areas are likely around coasts and hills in the south and west of England, according to the Met Office.

Meanwhile, an alert for snow has been put in place for New Year’s Day for the south of Scotland and northern England, with 10-15 cm possible in low lying areas, and up-to 20-25cm expected over hills.

Those hoping to travel on New Year’s Day should check road conditions and public transport updates before embarking on their journeys.

In Wales, the new year will be off to a soggy start as the majority of the country is likely to be drenched by up to 60mm of rain causing delays for road transport, potential power cuts and flooding.

Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said the forecast for the upcoming week was “complicated” and urged people to check the forecast regularly in order to update their plans.

He said: “Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week.

“With such a varied and complex weather situation, there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas.

Passengers at Gatwick Airport faced delays on Saturday due to thick fog that reduced visibility to 100m in some areas.

Temporary air restrictions remain in place until Sunday, with flight delays at the airport expected to continue into Sunday morning.

A spokesperson for the West Sussex airport said: “Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility.

“Some flights may be delayed throughout the day. London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information.”

Sunday is set to be Gatwick’s busiest day of the holiday period, with 769 flights planned. Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.

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