Met Office issues 48hr 'danger to life' weather warning as heavy rain to lash Britain ahead of New Year

This weekend's weather forecast

GB News
Holly Bishop

By Holly Bishop


Published: 27/12/2024

- 10:47

Updated: 27/12/2024

- 12:33

The yellow alert begins at midnight on December 30 and is in effect until 11.59pm on December 31

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.

\u200b48hr yellow rain alert

A 48-hour yellow rain alert has been issued for large parts of Scotland

Met Office

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.

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"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life," the Met Office cautioned.

It added: "There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads."

The weather office advised Britons to check to see if their property could be at risk of flooding, and if so, prepare an emergency plan and flood kit.

It recommended stocking up on torches and batteries, as well as charging banks in case of power shortages.

Rain map

Heavy rain is making its way towards the UK

WXCharts

"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary," it added.

Looking ahead to the New Year, the weather forecaster has predicted that more rain is on the way.

In its forecast from December 31 to January 9, it said: "An erratic change from the mild and largely settled conditions of the past few days is expected. Rain, stronger winds and some snow already across Scotland may on Tuesday become more severe and start to push southwards through the middle part of next week, bringing a chance of snow to other parts of the UK, along with colder conditions more widely.

"A period of more settled weather then seems probable later next week, with a gradual recovery in temperatures to nearer average for the time of year, perhaps even mild. Beyond this, a fairly changeable picture is most likely although confidence in details is, as usual at this range, very low. Wettest/windiest weather in the north and west, whilst the south and east will probably remain more settled overall."

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