The UK faced a tumultuous start to 2025, with over 100 flood warnings issued and a major incident declared in Greater Manchester due to severe wind and rain. Flooding caused significant disruption, trapping residents in their homes and leaving some without electricity or running water. In Stockport, people were stranded in flats, while emergency services rescued motorists in Warrington and Lymm after their vehicles became submerged.
The Environment Agency reported 109 flood warnings in England, predominantly in the North West, alongside 11 in north Wales and 17 in Scotland. Greater Manchester Police highlighted the worst-hit areas, including Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport, and Wigan.
The extreme weather follows New Year’s Eve, which saw numerous celebrations canceled nationwide, though Manchester and London events proceeded. London’s New Year’s Day parade was delayed by 30 minutes to avoid a high-wind squall line, with inflatable features removed for safety.
The Met Office issued multiple warnings, including a yellow alert for snow and ice across northern Scotland and a similar advisory for ice across much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Southern England and Wales also faced yellow wind warnings. Though rain warnings for northwestern England have been lifted, forecasts predict worsening conditions.
Northwest England recorded up to 90mm of rain in the past 24 hours, with some areas of north Wales and Cumbria exceeding 100mm. Motorways and roads across the region experienced lane closures due to flooding.
As rain persists in southern England and East Anglia, other regions are expected to see improving conditions, with drier and brighter weather spreading across Wales, the Midlands, and northern England. However, colder arctic air moving south will bring plummeting temperatures, with snow showers following. Low elevations in northern Scotland could see a few centimeters of snow overnight, while higher areas may experience 5-10cm, potentially causing local disruptions.
Looking ahead, a yellow snow warning has been issued for most of the UK over the weekend. This includes southern Scotland, northern England, the Midlands, Wales, and much of southern England. An incoming low-pressure system on Sunday is expected to bring rain and disruptive snow, compounding the challenges posed by the already severe weather.
As the nation grapples with flooding and freezing conditions, authorities urge vigilance and preparedness for further disruptions in the days ahead.
