Foreign
LONDON’S New Year’s Eve fireworks event will go ahead at midnight despite weather concerns across Britain, London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed.
Much of the country faces heavy rain and strong winds, and even snow in some parts, leading to widespread disruption.
With weather warnings in place, many planned December 31 events have been cancelled, but the capital’s fireworks display will proceed as scheduled to mark the start of 2025.
Khan told the PA news agency: “I’m really excited about the London New Year’s Eve fireworks, the biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe.
“Hundreds of thousands of fireworks, great light display but also a great soundtrack tonight as well.”
The Met Office has issued numerous weather warnings across the country, with almost every region affected between Monday and Wednesday.
A yellow warning for snow and rain initially covered most of Scotland until midnight, which the Met Office said “may bring significant disruption in the build-up to New Year,” but it was later revised to cover the Highlands and Moray only, with the warning extended until 4 am (0400 GMT).
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, which include a street party and fireworks, have been cancelled due to safety concerns.
Fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight have all been axed.
Forecasters say the high winds and rain may also cause flooding in some regions, with the Environment Agency urging people to stay away from swollen rivers and avoid driving through floodwater.
Forecasters warn of possible blizzard conditions, particularly over high ground in northern Scotland.
Snow is expected to fall heavily over the Highlands, with 10-20cm accumulating above 150-200 metres.
The new year will be off to a turbulent start with weather warnings in place for wind, rain and snow on Jan. 1.
Winds of up to 60mph (97 kilometres per hour) are forecast across much of England and Wales all day on Wednesday, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office. (PA/Media/dpa/NAN)
1st January, 2025.
C.E.
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