Storm Dylan: Hogmanay to go ahead despite threat of 80mph gusts

Credit: PA

Organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations expect the event to go ahead despite the threat of Storm Dylan on the final day of 2017.

Gusts of up to 80mph are expected to batter parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland in the first half of Sunday ahead of the end-of-year celebrations in the Scottish capital.

Forecasters have warned of the "potential for injuries and danger to life from flying debris".

A yellow warning for strong wind has been issued for the two regions on Sunday between 12am and 3pm as the weather front brings a wet and windy end to the year.

The Met Office said there is a "small chance of damage to buildings", as well as power cuts and potentially issues with mobile phone coverage.

"Large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal areas could also be a hazard," the forecaster added.

"There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected, with the chance that some roads and bridges could close."

A spokeswoman for Underbelly, the organisers of the Scottish capital's Hogmanay celebrations, noted Storm Dylan is forecast to hit "after the torchlight procession on the 30th and (pass) before the Hogmanay celebrations on the 31st".

She added: "We are reassured that the planned events and preparations will not be affected and that the celebrations will go ahead in full."

Glasgow airport briefly suspended flights on Friday morning due to heavy snowfall. Credit: PA

Heavy downpours are also predicted to blight much of south-east Wales, plus south western, central and southern parts of England across the weekend.

A yellow warning for heavy rain has also been issued by the Met Office from 6pm on Saturday to 9am on Sunday as it predicts up to 25mm as likely to fall, while up to 40mm could be seen in some areas.

"With the ground very wet in these areas, this is likely to lead to rising water levels and some flooding in places," the Met Office said.

A lorry passes through heavy snow on the A66 in the North Pennines. Credit: PA

On Friday morning parts of northern England and Scotland were greeted by thick blankets of snow as the south coast was lashed by torrential downpours and lightning.

Homes were left without power, flights were suspended because of the snow, and damage was caused to buildings by strong winds.

Downpours saw roads swamped with water, and trees were felled due to the wind as the weather system made its way eastwards.

Glasgow saw the biggest snowfall in the UK, with more than 10cm recorded in Bishopton - forcing the city's airport to temporarily suspend flights.

In other areas 7cm fell at Redesdale Camp in Northumberland, 4cm in Bingley, West Yorkshire, and 4cm in Spadeadam, Cumbria.