Britain braces for New Year sub-zero freeze: Temperatures are set to plummet to -5C in London with 72-hour cold health alert issued for England
Britain is bracing for a sub-zero freeze for the first days of the New Year, with a 72-hour cold health alert issued for England.
Temperatures are starting to drop on Wednesday until they reach below freezing late Thursday, plummeting as low as -5C in London as well as -7C in Manchester and Birmingham early Friday.
Winds of up to 60mph are forecast across much of England and Wales all day on Wednesday, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office.
Weather warnings are in place across parts of England, Wales and Scotland on New Year's Day.
This includes an amber alert for heavy rain which has been put in place across parts of North-West England until 9am. The Met Office warning stretches from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales across to Preston and down to parts of the Peak District.
It states that heavy rainfall is 'likely to lead to disruption including flooding in some locations' with a chance some places could see more than four inches (10cm) of rain.
The forecaster warned of difficult driving conditions, 'danger to life' flooding, potential road closures and transport delays. There may also be power cuts.
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service said it was experiencing a high number of 999 calls regarding flooding.
Vehicles driven on the A9 in Inverness on New Year's Eve as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force
White water at the Falls of Dochart in Killin, Stirlingshire, on New Year's Eve as stormy weather hits Scotland
Vehicles driving through massive puddles on the A9 in Inverness on New Year's Eve
Network Rail said the Conwy Valley Line between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction would be closed throughout New Year's Day due to fallen trees on the line and an assessment of the embankment.
The up to 75mph winds set to batter the country could lead to travel delays, damage to buildings, power cuts, and even danger from flying debris or large waves, the forecaster said.
Some roads and bridges may close, and injuries could occur, particularly in coastal areas.
Historic Royal Palaces said Kensington Palace would be closed on Wednesday due to high winds, and Hampton Court Palace would have a delayed opening to assess any damage.
Worthing Pier will also remain closed on New Year's Day due to the weather.
Rain turning to snow on New Year's Day is likely to cause travel disruption, particularly on roads and railways across Grampian, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands & Eilean Siar, the Met Office said.
Forecasters say the high winds and rain may also cause flooding, particularly in the Midlands and Pennines, with the Environment Agency urging people to stay away from swollen rivers and avoid driving through floodwater.
In the Highlands, flooding has forced the closure of the A9 at Tomich.
The A832 between Avoch and Fortrose in the Highlands was closed due to a landslide on New Year's Eve
The Far North Line was also shut down temporarily, while rail services between Dingwall and Inverness were halted due to flooding.
Train operator ScotRail said that its services would be disrupted by speed restrictions due to 'very heavy rainfall' until at least January 2.
Forecasters warn of possible blizzard conditions, particularly over high ground in Sutherland and Caithness.
Snow is expected to fall heavily over the Highlands, with 10-20cm accumulating above 150-200 metres.
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: 'It will be a tricky couple of days and a wet and windy spell for many up into the new year.
'We're encouraging anyone who is planning to travel to keep up to date with the weather forecast and news from their local authorities.'
It comes after Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations, including street parties and fireworks, were cancelled due to safety concerns.
Fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon in North Yorkshire, and the Isle of Wight were axed. London's New Year's Eve fireworks event went ahead as planned.
People watch waves crashing in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force and are expected to cause travel issues on New Year's Eve
Snow in Dingwall in Scotland on New Year's Eve amid weather warnings
A homemade boat race set to be held in Poole, Dorset, on New Year's Day was also cancelled because of the expected poor weather.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said in a statement: 'Unfortunately the Bathtub Race is now cancelled due to the severity of the swell of the water forecast for New Year's Day and the incapability of the Rescue Ribs to launch.
'The classic car and vintage vehicle event is still going ahead on Poole Quay from 10am-12.30pm.'
The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has also cancelled its Lyme Lunge sea dip on Wednesday because of forecast winds of 50-60mph and it said in a statement: 'I think you will all agree that we must put the safety of Lungers first.'
