Weather warnings in the UK affect New Year’s celebrations.

New Year’s Eve celebrations across the UK have been canceled as the country braces for strong winds, heavy rain and snow.

Most of the UK is covered by at least one Met Office weather warning until Wednesday.

Forecasters warned there was a “potential” for transport delays as gusts could reach 70mph in parts of England and Northern Ireland.

Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh have already been canceled due to public safety concerns.As do fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Isle of Wight and Ripon in North Yorkshire.

Hogmanay organisers, the Unique Assembly, have apologized to international tourists who traveled to Edinburgh for the street party and midnight fireworks display.

Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said canceling the festival was “undoubtedly” the right decision.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’m sorry for anyone who’s traveled but I think given the range of the weather forecast – it’s going to be really, really bad in some parts of the country. It’s bad – it’s not right to proceed”. .

A firework display in Blackpool has been canceled due to expected high winds. Other town events will go ahead, including a projection show for the 2025 commencement.

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said fireworks in the capital would go off at midnight despite concerns about the weather.

Daryl Fleming, who runs the company in charge of the display, said his team was “looking forward to putting on a full show”.

Celebrations in Manchester will also go ahead as planned, with its fireworks display moved above the city’s central library.

Councilor Pat Carney, Manchester City Council’s designated New Year’s spokesman, 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 them and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024. “

Some parts of the country can welcome the New Year with nature’s own fireworks display – the Northern Lights.

The Met Office said its colorful aurora could be visible in Scotland, Northern Ireland and possibly northern England “depending on cloud cover”.

Weather warnings across the UK include:

• On New Year’s Eve, an amber warning for rain is in effect for the Highlands and Moray until 17:00 GMT.
• A yellow warning for snow and rain covers the Highlands and Moray until 04:00 AM.
• Parts of central and southern Scotland and northern England are covered by a yellow wind warning from 07:00 to 23:00, with a separate wind warning covering most of Northern Ireland from 06:00 to 14:00. will
• A yellow warning for rain is in place for Wales and much of northwest England until 11am on Wednesday.
• A yellow warning for snow is in place in Orkney and Shetland until midnight.

In the Highlands, forecasters warned that “blizzard conditions are possible”, particularly in the far north of Sutherland and Caithness.

The Environment Agency (EA) issued a flood warning for the River Rothe at Grasmere, Whitebridge and Stocklane in the Lake District. This is the only flood warning in England.

Travel was expected to be disrupted in some parts of the country due to adverse weather conditions.

Transport for Wales and London North Eastern Railway have warned that some services may be delayed or canceled at short notice.

Northern Ireland’s Translink advised passengers to check online before travelling.

A number of routes in Scotland have been affected by the speed restrictions, including Inverness services to Perth and Kyle of Lochalsh; Sterling from Perth; and Edinburgh to Inverness.

EA warned those traveling or celebrating on New Year’s Eve to “take particular care”.

Stephen Leger, the agency’s flood duty manager, urged people to “stay away from swollen rivers and not drive through floodwaters as only 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your vehicle”.