The Met Office has issued a yellow rain “danger to life” weather warning for parts of Britain ahead of the New Year, with heavy downpours lasting for up to 48 hours set to strike.
The yellow alert begins at midnight on December 30 and is in effect until 11.59pm on December 31, just in time for renditions of Auld Lang Syne to commence.
“Heavy rain may bring significant disruption in the build up to New Year,” the weather office has warned, predicting that some areas will see as much as 140mm of rainfall.
The alert covers almost the entirety of Scotland, with parts of Dumfries and Galloway in the south, and the Orkney Islands in the north being spared.
Issuing the two-day alert, the Met Office said: “Rain is likely to become persistent and occasionally heavy on Monday and possibly last through New Year’s Eve. This may bring some significant disruption and flooding in the build up to New Year events, although there is still a lot of uncertainty in which areas are likely to be affected.
“Widespread totals of 50 to 70mm are possible over the two days with some places perhaps seeing 100 to 140mm of rain, these higher totals most likely over western Scotland. Snow may present an additional hazard, especially in the north of Scotland and over high ground. Strong winds could also bring further disruption, particularly on Tuesday.”
The forecaster said flooding could lead to delays and cancellations of public transport services. Roads could also be impacted by the excessive water.
The rapid flow of water could cause damage to some buildings, whilst power cuts could also be on the cards.
“There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life,” the Met Office cautioned.
More to follow…
