Tail end of storm promises wet and windy start to the new year

BLUSTERY, wet conditions are set to continue into the new year, with the heaviest and most frequent rainfall in western parts of the UK, the Met Office warned.

Alex Burkill, a meteorologist from the Met Office, said there would be “a chilly feel to things as the clock strikes midnight.”

The Met Office has put out a new weather warning that gusts of 75mph could hit parts of the south of England and Wales today.

It warnings cover parts of the South East, South West, East Anglia and Wales from 11am today until 3am on Jan 1.

A separate yellow warning for rain covers much of Northern Ireland from midnight until 11am today, wih up to 25mm of rain expected in a few hours.

Meanwhile, rail firms are fighting an increasing backlog of passengers after crew shortages exacerbated delays caused by Storm Gerrit.

With delays and cancellations on some routes yesterday, the Met Office issued six new yellow weather warnings for wind and rain for today, raising further fears for schedules.

Strong winds are likely to cause

New Year’s Eve revellers were advised to wrap up as temperatures approach zero as midnight nears

“delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport” until 3am on New Year’s Eve, forecasters said.

It comes as the Environment Agency (EA) issued 23 flood warnings and a further 103 flood alerts.

The flood warnings cover areas near Cheltenham, Rugby, Oswestry, York and in the Lake District.

Storm Gerrit battered much of the country over the week with 80mph winds, blizzards and heavy rain, leaving some in Scotland claiming that they were left blindsided by its ferocity.

In its wake, the Met Office has pledged to review its weather alerts after it has been challenged over whether amber alerts should have been issued.

Meanwhile, New Year’s Eve revellers have been urged to wrap up warm as conditions across many parts of the UK could feel close to freezing as the clock strikes midnight.

The weather is expected to remain unsettled with further strong winds and heavy rain throughout the last weekend of 2023.

A spell of strong and gusty winds will move east across England and Wales, bringing some disruption to travel and services, the Met Office said.