LONDON — Severe flooding impacted several regions of the United Kingdom on Wednesday as intense rainfall and strong winds disrupted New Year’s festivities.
In the Manchester area, multiple neighborhoods were affected, prompting the evacuation of numerous homes, with cars submerged in water on roads and in parking areas following an accumulation of nearly a month’s worth of rainfall over just two days.
Authorities declared a major incident, and mountain rescue teams were mobilized to assist firefighters in addressing inundated properties and rescuing stranded vehicles, according to local police.
“A further risk of flooding is expected throughout the day,” warned Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan. “We may see the situation worsen before it improves.”
Local resident Tom Coulthard reported that the rain began late Tuesday afternoon and continued into the night in Didsbury, a suburb south of Manchester. The relentless rainfall caused rivers to overflow, resulting in the evacuation of a hotel before dawn and the closure of several roads and highways in the vicinity.
“All local rivers and waterways have overflowed and flooded the surrounding areas,” said Coulthard, who teaches geography at the University of Hull. “This situation highlights the noticeable changes in our weather and the impacts of shifting climate patterns.”
The severe weather forced the cancellation of New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in Edinburgh and various other cities, while scheduled events for New Year’s Day, such as outdoor swims and a bathtub boat race, had to be scrapped.
Despite the weather, London successfully launched its extravagant fireworks display over the River Thames by Big Ben; however, the city was compelled to delay the start of its New Year’s Day parade and keep inflatable floats grounded due to the adverse conditions.
Marching cheerleaders and band members in central London shielded their vibrant costumes with transparent coverings to avoid getting drenched.
Flood warnings were issued to over 150 communities across the United Kingdom at one point, primarily affecting northern England, though many of these warnings were later rescinded.
Several train services faced cancellations due to high water levels surrounding the tracks, while some roadways remained closed.
As temperatures are set to drop, ice warnings for Northern Ireland, parts of North Wales, England, and Scotland are effective until late Thursday morning. Additionally, a three-day snow warning has been announced for a majority of England and Scotland for the upcoming weekend.
