UK weather: Met Office issues yellow warnings as Britons urged not to travel by train amidst over 100 flood alerts

Posted by Admin January 1, 2025 Travel

The Met Office has issued a number of warnings across the country as Britons have been urged to avoid train travel amidst 135 flood warnings.

Wind, rain and snow warnings have been put in place all the way from Scotland to Cornwall, while much of the UK is braced for severe flooding on New Year’s Day.

The forecaster issued several yellow warnings for wind and rain across Wales, southern England, the East Midlands, north west England and Yorkshire, while northern Scotland is expected to endure snow and ice.

At the same time, the Environment Agency has issued 135 flood warnings in England with many in the north.

The Environment Agency has issued 137 warnings in England with many in the north

Environment Agency

In Scotland, it is expected that some roads and railways are “likely” to be affected with longer journey times via public transport, including train and bus services.

Additionally, they warned that icy patches on poor roads, pavements and cycle paths so Britons should be cautious when travelling.

Meanwhile, winds warnings further south might inflict damage to buildings, while the government agency even warned that there is a small chance that the weather could pose a danger to life “from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads, and properties”.

The forecasters added that they expect “strong southwesterly winds” overnight and during Wednesday, with the strongest winds in the west and south, where gusts of up to 75mph are “possible”.

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Further inland, however, gusts could reach highs of 55mph and “possibly 60mph in places, particularly in association with the passage of squally cold front which will bring a band of heavy rain southwards”.

So far, parts of the north west England have seen nearly a month’s worth of rainfall in the last two days, according to Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan.

“There’s still probably likely to be further flooding across the course of the day, I’m expecting further issues this afternoon,” he added.

“We are potentially expecting the flood situation to get worse before it gets better.”

So far, parts of the north west England have seen nearly a month’s worth of rainfall in the last two days

Beyond England, Scotland has received 32 flood warnings, while Wales has 10.

The RNLI has offered guidance for swimmers on New Year’s Day due to “dangerous coastal conditions”, as lifeboat crews have been deployed 43 times between December 24 and 29 to help swimmers caught up in the waves.

Regional water safety lead at the RNLI Chris Cousens urged people to “remember to float to live” if in danger, adding: “Lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best you can until you get control of your breathing.

“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself as you may end up in difficulty too.”