The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of Scotland.
Heavy rain and snow are expected across most of the country, with the public warned to expect disturption to their Hogmanay plans due to heavy rainfall and snow in some areas throughout Monday and Tuesday.
The first yellow warning for snow and rain came into place at midnight on Monday, December 30 and will end at 11.59pm on Tuesday, December 31.
Forecasters warned heavy rain will become “persistent and widespread” on Monday and Tuesday, with rainfall totalling between 50 and 70mm in some areas of the country.
The Met Office also warned that fast-flowing and deep floodwater from the rain may bring a “danger to life”.
A second yellow warning for snow has been issued for southern parts of Scotland as well as England and Wales for Tuesday.
The Met Office has also issued an amber warning for rain, covering Moray and the Highlands, which comes into force on Tuesday at midnight and will expire at 5pm.
The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGORR) has also been activated in response to the weather warning. First Minister John Swinney is due to chair a meeting of SGORR this evening to review the preparedness for the challenging weather ahead.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “Rivers will continue to rise into Tuesday, especially across Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside where impacts are most likely. Property flooding, flooding of roads and disruption to travel infrastructure is possible,” it said.
Cordelia Menmuir, SEPA’s duty flood manager, said: “We’re likely to see extensive river and surface water flooding impacts across these areas. We’re already seeing impacts on the road and rail network, and further rain will only exacerbate this.
“We urge people living, working and visiting in the affected areas to consider any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts. Consider whether your journey is necessary.”
It comes as Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled due to ‘safety reasons’ with extreme weather forecast to hit Scotland over the next couple of days.
Organisers Unique Assembly said high winds and more predicted “inclement” weather had forced them to scrap all outdoor events for New Year. The Concert in the Gardens with headliners Texas has also been cancelled by the organisers.
The Torchlight Procession as part of the Hogmanay events also had to be cancelled last night due to high winds. Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said the decision to cancell the events was “not taken lightly”.
An Edinburgh’s Hogmanay spokesperson said: “Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for tonight (30th Dec) and the 31st December are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.
“The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
“We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.
“We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the Home of Hogmanay. Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.
“All indoor events are taking place as planned throughout the festival, including tonight’s performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on the 31st December, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral. We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Year’s Day – a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello.”
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