A wave of cancellations has swept across the UK as severe weather forced the shutdown of numerous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
SkyNews on Tuesday night reported that the Met Office issued multiple weather warnings, including a fresh amber alert for heavy rain in the northwest, predicting more than 100mm could fall overnight.
Events in Edinburgh, including the iconic Hogmanay fireworks display, were among the most prominent casualties.
“On the grounds of public safety,” a spokesperson announced, “high winds and inclement weather” have made city centre festivities impossible. Celebrations planned for 30 December were also scrapped.
In Blackpool, organisers confirmed the cancellation of the town’s fireworks but reassured that other family-friendly events, such as ice skating and a projection light show, would proceed. Ripon, North Yorkshire, also saw its fireworks display axed due to high winds, with the local council posting the news on Facebook.
Southern regions weren’t spared either, with events in Poole, Lyme Regis, the Isle of Wight, and Newcastle’s Quayside all called off early on Tuesday.
Despite the widespread disruptions, London’s fireworks are set to continue. Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his excitement, saying: “I’m really excited about the London New Year’s Eve fireworks… the biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe.”
Scotland faced the brunt of the weather, with three separate warnings in effect. Snow and rain warnings covered Shetland, Orkney, and northern Scotland, with blizzard conditions possible over high ground. A yellow wind warning extended from Glasgow to Edinburgh, threatening delays across road, rail, and ferry networks.
ScotRail imposed speed restrictions, with 18 trains cancelled and at least 11 lines affected. Network Rail closed the Highland Main Line at Kingussie, citing “more extreme rainfall overnight.”
As the UK rings in 2025, meteorologist Craig Snell warned of further disruption: “It will be a tricky couple of days and a wet and windy spell for many. We encourage everyone planning to travel to stay updated.”
Strong winds of up to 75mph are forecast for parts of England and Wales through 1 January, with conditions expected to improve by Thursday.
