UK weather warnings dampen New Year celebrations
Baku, December 31, AZERTAC
New Year's Eve events across the UK have been cancelled as the country braces for high winds, heavy rain and snow, according to BBC News.
Most parts of the UK are covered by at least one Met Office weather warning until Wednesday.
Transport delays are "likely" as strong winds may reach speeds of up to 70mph in parts of England and Northern Ireland, forecasters warned.
Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh have already been cancelled over public safety concerns, as have fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, the Isle of Wight and Ripon in North Yorkshire.
Hogmanay organisers, Unique Assembly, have apologised to international tourists who travelled to Edinburgh for the street party and midnight fireworks display.
Scotland's Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said cancelling the festival was "undoubtedly" the correct decision.
"I'm truly sorry for everybody who has travelled but I think given the extent of the weather forecast - it's really, really bad in some parts of the country - it's not the right thing to proceed," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
The fireworks display in Blackpool was cancelled because of the expected high winds. The town's other events will go ahead, including a projection show to mark the start of 2025.
A spokesperson for London's mayor said the capital's firework display would go ahead at midnight despite concerns over the weather.
Darryl Fleming, who runs the company in charge of the display, said his team was "looking forward to delivering a full show".
Celebrations in Manchester will also go ahead as planned, after its fireworks display was moved to the top of the city's central library.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council's designated New Year spokesperson, said: "Mancunians know that when it's a bit cold and wet you have to wrap up warm, but we're looking forward to seeing everyone tonight.
"All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can't wait to see you in St Peter's Square for the last party of 2024."
Some parts of the country may get to welcome the new year with nature's own fireworks display - the Northern Lights.
Its colourful auroras may be visible in Scotland, Northern Ireland and possibly northern England "depending on the cloud cover", the Met Office said.
The Environment Agency (EA) issued a flood warning for the River Rothay at Grasmere, White Bridge and Stock Lane in the Lake District. It is the only flood warning in England.
The poor weather conditions were expected to cause travel disruption in parts of the country.
Transport for Wales and London North Eastern Railway warned some services could be delayed or cancelled at short-notice.
Northern Ireland's Translink advised passengers to check online before travelling.
A number of routes in Scotland have been impacted because of speed restrictions, including Inverness services to Perth and the Kyle of Lochalsh; Perth to Stirling; and Edinburgh to Inverness.
The EA warned those travelling or celebrating on New Year Eve to be "especially careful".
Stefan Laeger, the agency's flood duty manager, urged people to "stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car".
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